The Independence Community College (ICC) Fine Arts Department presented the first showing of The Theory of Relativity, a thought-provoking musical, to area high school students in the William Inge Theatre today. The performance was followed by a "talk back" session, allowing students to engage directly with the cast and crew.
The Theory of Relativity, with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill, explores the intricate web of human connections through a series of vignettes and songs. The production is directed by Paul Molnar, who emphasized the importance of the talk back experience for both the performers and the audience.
"Talkbacks are an important part of the learning process here at ICC," said Molnar. "For our students, reflecting directly with the audience after they've seen their work is invaluable because talking about art is as important as making it. Figuring out how to speak about their process allows for a deeper understanding of that process."
Molnar added, "From the audience's perspective, it allows for instant communication with the theatre makers and promotes audience building and an understanding that theatre is a collaborative experience. There is no theatre without an audience, and there is no audience without connections. Talking about a shared experience can be exciting, scary, cathartic, and freeing. Creating a space for everyone to have a voice is a priority for me as an individual, a professor, and as a theatre maker."
Additional performances of The Theory of Relativity will be held in the William Inge Theatre on the ICC campus from February 28th to March 2nd, 2025.
Performance Dates and Times:
· February 28th – 7:00 PM
· March 1st – 7:00 PM w/talkback
· March 2nd – 2:00 PM
Admission to all performances is free.