Synopsis
More than one hundred years in the future, life on Earth has changed. The devastating Zombie Apocalypse saw a rare and incurable disease ravage humanity, destroying the population and turning those who survived into a roving horde of flesh-eating killers. When three human refugees find themselves thrown together in an abandoned bar on the island of Key West, they must learn how to endure each other, and ultimately how to make a new life. Will they come together, create a family, and repopulate the human race, or will this be the final hour of our species?
Homo apocalyptus is a riveting psychological thriller that examines the costs of survival in this modern world. What do we give up, and what do we keep, when we are faced with life and death choices? Based on the many hypothetical accounts from pop culture mythology, this play brings the meta-cultural Zombie genre to the stage in a fresh way. It explores the irresistible attraction we feel toward these self-designed monsters, and it seeks to raise questions of the roles of faith, desire, and community in a post-modern world. Ultimately, survival carries with it an element of sacrifice, and choosing to be part of the family will redefine what it means for each of us to be human.
Cast: 3 (2f; 1m)
Running Time: Approx. 110 min (one intermission)
Development History
Homo apocalyptus was born as part of a collaboration with some of my favorite theatre artists. I had been interested in exploring the Zombie genre on the stage, and the opportunity for an intense development residency in Key West seemed like the perfect setting. Over the course of a year, thanks to readings with Trustus Theatre in Columbia, SC, the play took shape, and culminated in a mulit-week workshop, on location, with generous support provided by The Studios of Key West.
The play received its initial public reading at The Studios of Key West., August 6, 2009.
Sample
Click the link below for a 10-page dialogue sample.
Homo apocalyptus Sample (PDF 27kb)
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