Illinois State University’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Film presents a workshop production of Erlina Ortiz’s Honey Bee Baby, directed by M.F.A. directing student Alejandra Luna.
Can you imagine life without bees? What about a world with endless storms, scarce resources, and overpopulation? Would you bring a child into such a world? Melisa desperately wants a child, despite living in such a world where the government forces potential parents to pass strict screenings to make sure they are not part of these environmental problems.
Meanwhile, a young Clarisa lives in a world that seems perfectly carved by her parents as if she were Rapunzel in a tower. Clarisa does not know she, too, needs to pass the life-or-death test just to survive. How will Melisa and Clarisa navigate their journey to find the places where they belong?
While Honey Bee Baby dives into dystopian themes, it hits home with the urgent issues we face today: climate change, overpopulation, and discrimination. Playwright Erlina Ortiz shines a light on the dangers of believing one group is better or more deserving than another, reminding us that “when you start thinking your tribe is better and deserves more than others, that is the problem.”
With heart and compassion, this play pushes us to rethink our sense of right and wrong, challenging the standards we use to judge others. The production establishes a futuristic world with an ironically artificial nature, vividly imagined by creative designers and brought to life by a fearless cast, inviting you into a world you could not imagine alone.
Performances are in Westhoff Theatre September 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and September 28-29 at 2 p.m. The performance runtime is approximately 90 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office on the campus of Illinois State University, by calling (309) 438-2535, or online.
If you need an accommodation to fully participate in this program, please contact the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
