The University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance will present the play “Tilikum” on the UCM Theatre and Dance YouTube channel at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30. No tickets are necessary for this free presentation, and virtual doors open at 7:15 p.m. The links for showings are: Thursday https://youtu.be/VVpnBseaKsg and Friday https://youtu.be/m6ynH0qwLcg. Links to the shows can also be found at ucmo.edu/theatre and on Facebook at @UCMTheatreandDance.
The play is being presented in a virtual environment due to COVID-19. By utilizing remote technology such as Zoom, the actors will be located in separate places but will act together on screen. These productions are performed live, and are recommended for audiences age 14 and above.
“Tilikum” is a new play by writer Kristiana Rae Colón. “Tilikum, the infamous SeaWorld killer whale, has died.” That was the headline in the Orlando Sentinel on Jan. 6, 2017. “Tilikum” takes the story of that sea creature and creates a poetic, percussive fantasy that demands that the audience pay attention to a range of social justice issues regarding Black lives in America. Colon asks the audience to envision a world without prisons or police: “Close your eyes. Imagine the sound of the ocean. Imagine a world without cages. Imagine a world without borders.”
The production is directed by guest artist Dréa Lewis. Lewis is a director, educator, actor and owner of Dream of Dréa Productions. She is directing “Tilikum” remotely.
In addition to Colón and Lewis, UCM Theatre and Dance has also welcomed professional dramaturg Lindsay “LJ” Jenkins to the production, which has been made possible by generosity of the Meredith Harmon Sauer Guest Artist Series. The guest artists also provided workshops for students.
