‘Secret Life of Humans’ and ‘Pippin’ on Robsham Theater fall slate

“Secret Life of Humans”—a play praised by The Guardian as “ambitious, intelligent, and moving...[with] thriller-like precision with real visual flair”—will launch the fall Boston College Theatre Department/Robsham Theater Arts Center main stage productions. Directed by Associate Professor of the Practice of Theatre Patricia Riggin, it will be performed from October 17-20.

Weaving together a mysterious locked room, an awkward Tinder date, ethical di­lemmas, and the history of mankind, “Se­cret Life of Humans” offers perspective on where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we’re going, Riggin explained. Inspired in part by Jacob Bronowski’s “The Ascent of Man,” a documentary series televised in 1973, it asks the audience to ponder important questions: Is humanity continuing to ascend or did it veer off-track long ago?

"Secret Life of Humans”—written by award-winning stage and television writer and director David Byrne—debuted in the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in 2018 ran off-Broadway. The play “sees theater as a place to tell stories and interrogate myths; one where we can use our imaginations to make the future. Which may just save us,” according to The Guardian.

Now artistic director of the Royal Court in London, Byrne was the founding artistic and executive director of the New Diorama Theatre, a comedy writer whose work, “The Party,” was optioned by the BBC, and one of The Stage’s 100 most influential people working in theatre.

The musical comedy “Pippin” will be presented from November 20-22 and 24, directed by Theatre Department Chair and Profes­sor of the Practice Luke Jorgensen. With music by Stephen Schwartz (best known for “Wicked”), “Pippin” is a humorous al­legory about growing up, and a cautionary tale about empty promises. Told by a trav­eling troupe of actors led by the captivat­ing Leading Players, the story concerns a young prince and heir to the throne who is searching for his life’s purpose. Pippin tries war, dating, and politics, only to discover that true happiness is more complicated than he thought.

 “Pippin” opened on Broadway in 1972 with some 2,000 performances before closing after five years. The original pro­duction, directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, earned 11 Tony Award nominations and won five.  

“One of the things that attracted me to ‘Pippin’ is the story of a young person trying to find his place in the world,” Jor­gensen said. “Like our students, Pippin is seeking his authentic self and trying his hand at a number of callings. He follows a call to adventure and runs off and joins the circus.”

The RTAC performance features musi­cal direction by David McGrory and will showcase students in the Theatre Depart­ment’s dance minor. “It seemed like a wonderful show to highlight our amazing dance talent,” said Jorgensen. “I wanted an opportunity to bring our dancers and actors together in an amazing spectacle. ‘Pippin’ will be a family friendly explosion of dance music and magic.”

For more on fall Theatre Department/Robsham Theater Arts Center main stage productions, including performance times and ticket prices or other information, go to bc.edu/theatre. For tickets, see bc.edu/tickets or call ext. 2-4002.