What happens when a little rain cloud falls in love with a human? Find out during ISU Theatre's "Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea," a fast-moving, whimsical play that grapples with what it means to be young, fall in love and believe in fairy tales. Enjoy a live Zoom performance of the play Nov. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., or a prerecorded production available Nov. 13-19.
"This play is like that book you read as a kid and can't put down," said Mackenzie Bodell, freshman in performing arts. "It's complex and entertaining, filled with deeper themes and so many opportunities for critical thinking. It's such a creative play that bringing it to life is a rewarding experience."
Cast members said the play, written by playwright Julia Izumi, evokes the warm feelings of a bedtime story or the coziness of sitting next to a window on a rainy day. Arpita Mukherjee, artistic director of the New York-based Hypokrit Theatre Company, is guest directing the production as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's artist-in-residence.
"This play is like walking down an unknown path and not knowing quite what is in store for you, and then being pleasantly surprised about what you find," said Kaitlyn Meylor, sophomore in performing arts. "It's truly unlike any other play I have been a part of or seen, and that excites me. I hope it inspires audiences to think about the vastness of their own imaginations."
ISU Theatre students also are studying the play as part of their fall course curriculum. Along with the live and recorded performances, students will share a curated virtual celebration of their in-class projects. The play and collaborations are part of ISU Theatre's 2020-21 "Season of Invitation," which seeks to create new and innovative pathways of performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Links to the live Zoom performances and recorded production will be posted on the show's production page. Admission is "pay what you will."
