The Lathe of Heaven

By Ursula K. Le Guin | Adapted by Natsu Onoda Power | Directed by Sara Katzoff

“You have to help another person. But it’s not right to play God with masses of people. To be God you have to know what you’re doing. And to do any good at all, just believing you’re right and your motives are good isn’t enough.” ~ Ursula K. Le Guin, The Lathe of Heaven, 1971

In a world racked by plague, violence, and environmental catastrophe, George Orr awakens to discover that his dreams have the power to alter reality. When Orr is brought to Dr. William Haber for treatment, Haber begins manipulating this power for his own purposes.

Blurring the lines between dreams and nightmares, The Lathe of Heaven is set in an imagined future that reflects the present tense. Exploring themes of power, utilitarianism, war, love, and progress, this fast-paced, ensemble-based physical-theater performance features moon-pie trivia, live feed projection, 1970’s-nostalgia, and shadow play.

Adapted from the speculative fiction novel written by Ursula K. Le Guin in 1971, playwright Natsu Onoda Power explores the cyclical nature of human history and asks us to question our understanding of reality and the repercussions of power within our present political moment.

April 26-May 5
Friday, Apr 26, 8pm (Preview)
Saturday, Apr 27, 8pm (Opening Night)
Sunday, Apr 28, 2pm
Tuesday, Apr 30, 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 1, 7:30pm
Thursday, May 2, 7:30pm
Friday, May 3, 8pm
Saturday, May 4, 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, May 5, 2pm

*******************

Established in 1954, Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) is a community of artist-scholars and scholar-artists who are passionate about the fine and performing arts, committed to diversity and inclusion, and determined to improve the lives of others through art. With programs in Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, CFA prepares students for a meaningful creative life by developing their intellectual capacity to create art, shift perspective, think broadly, and master relevant 21st century skills. CFA offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as a range of online degrees and certificates. Learn more at bu.edu/cfa.