The Tasters
by University of Texas Theatre & Dance
Nov. 03 - Nov. 14, 2021
Wednesdays-Sundays
With government leaders getting poisoned left and right, the Tasters have an important job — eating delicious, gourmet meals, and then waiting to see if they die. When one rebellious taster goes on hunger strike, the reverberation of her choice threatens to disrupt the order of their world and change the course of history. Equal parts Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale and Food Network, Meghan Brown’s darkly funny, sharp new play explores the nuances of political resistance, self-interest and individual action taken to create hope in the face of hopelessness. It begs the question: when forced to choose between our ideas, personal safety and the wellbeing of humanity at large – what do we do? A play for the foodie and revolutionary in all of us.
By Meghan Brown
Directed by Kristen Osborn
Contains mature content, imagery and themes. Suitable for ages 16+.
Kristen Osborn is an Austin-based director and theatremaker who is passionate about nurturing human connection through live storytelling. Osborn has developed work in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York in a range of productions and roles with companies including the Geffen Playhouse, Daryl Roth Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Northlight Theatre, the Ojai Playwrights Conference and JoyistLA. She is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television and a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specilization in directing at The University of Texas at Austin. kristenosborn.com
VIDEO: DIscussion with director and dramaturg
The Tasters‘ five-person cast features the acting talents of Department of Theatre and Dance students Vivian Gonzalez (Bianca), Avery Brooks (Lt. Sawyer), Chloe Whitehead (Corrine), Mahagany Adair (Elyse) and Dominic Gross (The General), whose interactions on stage introduce the audience to the corrupt and revolutionary society in Brown’s play.
Helping build the world of The Tasters is an outstanding production team, including Cal Blackstock (Stage Manager), Lina Breining (Composer), Ron Collins (Lighting Designer), Zoey Crow (Scenic and Projection Designer), Andy Grapko (Intimacy Director), Harri Horsley (Costume Designer), Jason Lee Huerta (Technical Director), Jeffrey Levin (Sound Designer and Co-Composer), Tobie Minor (Violence Consultant), R.J. Munguia (Dramaturg), and Yusef Dixon(Assistant Director).
The Tasters
by Meghan Brown
University of Texas Theatre & Dance
November 03 - November 14, 2021
The Tasters
Nov 3 – 14, 2021
November 3 at 7:30 p.m. (PREVIEW)
November 4-6, 10-12 at 7:30 p.m.
November 6-7, 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Ticket $15 - $26, available online HERE.
B. Iden Payne Theatre
