TitleTHE INDOCTRINATION OF BANANAS
DirectorSøren Olsen
Stage ManagerAasrith Veerapaneni
CategoryWorkshop, MacVey Theatre
First RehearsalFebruary 3rd.  
Load In/Tech /DressFebruary 24th
PerformancesFebruary 28 & March 1-2
Roles to be castAge (Presentation)Gender (Presentation)Description
Actor 1 N/AN/ACore Ensemble
Actor 2 N/AN/ACore Ensemble
Actor 3N/AN/ACore Ensemble
Actor 4N/AN/ACore Ensemble
Actor 5N/AN/ACore Ensemble
Actor 6N/AN/ASupporting Ensemble
Actor 7N/AN/ASupporting Ensemble
Actor 8 N/AN/ASupporting Ensemble
Additional Ensemble TBD   
Synopsis

When two groups of humanoids stumble upon a delightful fruit—a banana—their lives genuinely seem to improve. However, one group’s obsession with this newfound fruit soon overtakes their intellect. What began as one of life’s simple joys is sucked into a vacuum of “rights and wrongs.” Rituals form, religions are born, courtrooms are overturned, and wars are fought. Some reach enlightenment, while others perish—all in the name of a banana.

This cartoony and clownish ensemble piece emphasizes physical storytelling and character development. Actors must improvise, play, and create their unique roles in this genuinely ridiculous, heartfelt, and meaningful satirical devised work. 

 

Notices

Content Advisory: Stage Combat, Intimacy, Reenactment of Religious Iconography

Note on roles: Actors will be content creators of this performance work. The script is written as a “cartoon” or “storyboard” of sorts. They will be asked to play a contributing role in the development of character, dramaturgy, and the stage action. Text will be used in this production but in a highly abstracted way that will allow for much actor improvisation and interaction. 

5 Core Ensemble

3 Supporting Ensemble

+ Additional supporting ensemble, TBD 

Fight & Intimacy Breakdowns: There are no breakdowns at this time because the content of the show will be created as part of the rehearsal process. All characters/actors may be involved with both fight and intimacy choreography. Any choreography will be created within each ensemble member's boundaries and with consent-based practices.

Important Dates/Holidays2/9 Superbowl, 2/11 Thaipusam, 2/12 Magha Puja Day, 2/14 St. Valentine's Day, 2/14 Lailat al Bara*, 2/15 Nirvana Day, 2/19 Presidents’ Day (Fed. Observed), 2/25-2/26 Maha Shivaratri, 2/28-3/2 Losar, 2/28-3/30 Ramadan*

The callback list is posted below. Callbacks will be held Thursday, Nov. 21st in PAX 154. Underneath the list is information regarding callbacks. Please contact Aasrith (aasrith-veerapaneni@uiowa.edu) with any questions or concerns.

Bonde, Vivian 

Johnson, Gabby 

Santoleri, Alyssa 

Dart, Abby 

Larsen, Charolette 

Schinderling, Caleb 

Anderson, Hannah 

Lee, David 

Schnellbacher, Jenna 

Bode, Sven 

LoSasso, Nicky 

Thomas, Charlie 

Burds, Samantha 

Martin, Soren 

Troelstrup, Grace 

Conrey, Creyton 

McBride, Addison 

Webber, Daniel 

Cowden, Rhya 

McDermott, Reyna 

Weis, Abby 

Decker,  Stephanie 

Miller, Jacob 

West, Isak 

Dickerson, Dan 

Milligan, Flynn 

Willaimson, Margaret 

Douglas, Zachary 

Nelson, Lucas 

Yoder, Amelia 

Gordon, Anna 

Nixa, Allison 

 

Green, Carden 

OBrien, Patrick 

 

Haggas, Harvey 

Peterson, Lanie 

 

Hohman, Chase 

Polking, Sophia 

 

Holcomb, Cody 

Radcliff, Alex 

 

Hull, Nick 

Rose, Cassel 

 

 

What to prepare: 

Ummm, nothing. Gasp!

The callback for THE INDOCTRINATION OF BANANAS will include generative theatre exercises. Participants will imagine, create, and perform group theatrical moments, images, and scene work. 

Come with a spirit of imagination, an open mind, and a willingness to play. Be weird, be absurd, be yourself. Oh! Wear clothing you are comfortable moving in.

THURSDAY November 21st / 7-11 pm. Please plan to attend the entire callback. We will likely end early.

Below is the Cast List. Thank you to all that auditioned!

Cast Name 

Cast Role 

Vivian Bonde 

Creative Ensemble 

Daniel Dickerson 

Creative Ensemble 

Chase Hohmann 

Creative Ensemble 

Jordan Kinney 

Creative Ensemble 

Shelby Landuyt 

Creative Ensemble 

Holland Larned 

Creative Ensemble 

Aleesa Lavrenko 

Creative Ensemble 

Jason Vernon 

Creative Ensemble 

 

Please email the stage manager, Aasrith Veerapaneni (aasrith-veerapaneni@uiowa.edu) to accept or decline your role. Please also reach out with any comments or concerns. Get as excited as we are to make some theatre! 

Questions or Concerns?

Søren Olsen, Director & Team Leader: soren-olsen@uiowa.edu

Aasrith Veerapaneni, Stage Manager: aasrith-veerapaneni@uiowa.edu