2024–2025 Butler Theatre Mainstage Season
They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay!
By Dario Fo Translated by Jon Laskin
and Michael Aquilante
Directed by Jos Houben and Emily Wilson Christel DeHaan Visiting International
Theatre Artists
October 9–13, 2024
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre
It is the 1970s in Italy. Inflation is rampant, workers are restless, and the only way to afford a balanced meal is to “borrow” provisions from the grocery store. This rollicking political farce with contemporary resonance was created by Nobel Prize winning author, actor, director and designer Dario Fo and is sure to entertain audiences from start to finish!
She Kills Monsters
By Qui Nguyen
Directed by William Fisher
November 13-17, 2024
Schrott Center for the Arts
This heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all is a comedic romp that invites us into the world of fantasy and role-playing games BEFORE the internet. Boasting homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and the like, it is the story of Agnes who, after the death of her teenage sister Tilly, finds herself on a journey of discovery in the Dungeons & Dragons world that was Tilly’s refuge. This Jordan College of the Arts Signature Series production features a guest creative team including designers from the original Vampire Cowboys’ production as well as a talkback with playwright Qui Nguyen.
*She Kills Monsters contains strong language, references to death, sex, and sexuality. Partially set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the performance contains fantasy gore and killing on stage, as well as intense sound and lighting and is generally suitable for ages 14+.
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Andrés López
February 26-March 2, 2025
Lilly Hall Studio Theater
A prophecy. A violent seizure of power. A swift, intense fall from the heights of said power. The eponymous character Macbeth, encouraged by his wife Lady Macbeth and fueled by a prophecy telling him he will be King of Scotland, stops at nothing to ascend the throne. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, however. Feeling the mounting pressures of ruling, both real and imagined, Macbeth begins eliminating others to secure his position and solidify his status. This fresh take on Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy presented in the intimate Lilly Hall Studio Theatre allows audiences to be part of the action!
*Macbeth contains references to death as well as scenes of extreme physical aggression and murder. The production is generally suitable for ages 14+.
About Love:
From the Pen of
Anton Chekhov
Directed by Elaina Artemiev
April 16–19, 2025
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre
Human relationship elements of love, humor, friendship, and betrayal are at the heart of this unique opportunity to experience Chekhov’s short stories. These brilliant treasures have been shared throughout the world for decades and continue to provide an impressive framework for relationships in contemporary society. Afterall, we all seek to be understood, do we not? Be warned, this is not your average Chekhov!