Enough fantasies of the apocalypse, it's already here. With climate-change-doom impending and viewership of her vlogs dwindling, Ellen seeks refuge on her father’s eco-friendly commune. But upon arrival, she finds things aren’t quite as she remembered. Isolated from the world and obsessed with conspiracy theories, her father has but one plan to save the world: a gender-fluid, pedal-powered bicycle named Mercury Daniels. Throw in Ellen’s corporatized WeWork member of a brother and you’ve got a (nearly) full family reunion. But you’d better hope they can set aside their differences before the CEO of that mega-tech-corporation, Syzygy, gets his hands on them. Are lizard people real? Can Mercury Daniels transport Ellen to outer space? Will the family overcome their clashing beliefs and save the world with the forces of renewable energy? Corporate surveillance and conspiracies abound in this fast, futuristic, ecocyberpunk piece of sustainable sci-fi theatre from NYC.
Featuring Melissa Mahoney, Justin Picado, Sam Metzger, and Michael Galligan, Solarplexus: An Alternative Energy Play was directed by Jaye Hunt and written by Michael Galligan. Original music composed and performed by Robert Fernandez. Lighting design by Michael Combs, scenic design by Roni Sipp, costume design by Laura Texter, sound design by Robert Fernandez, choreography by Julio Saenz.
Professional Reviews
“Solarplexus is very strong analysis of what it means to make the right decision… a fun and enlightening hour of unique theatre.”
Greg Stewart, Theatre Weekly
“A timely play examining the clash between the individual and corporate structures, free of hand-wringing and looking to the future with considerable wit and guile.”
Eddie Harrison, The List
“The play’s message holds true… and is an interesting glimpse into the very real apocalypse we might soon be facing.”
Grace Lavender, The Skinny
“It’s a broadside against everything that caused our imminent and avoidable immolation, with especial venom reserved for the messianic tech moguls trying to innovate us out of it.”
Jon Stapley, ThreeWeeks Edinburgh
“...this play doesn’t just talk the renewable energy talk.”
Cassidy Dawn-Graves, Bedford & Bowery
PRODUCTION HISTORY
November 2015
Michael creates Boombox Frank with Deadeye Comedy - a web sketch featuring the character of Frank
September 2016
With collaboration from Sam and Justin, Michael begins writing Solarplexus
May - June 2017
Initial development of Solarplexus at Hollows Artspace in Brooklyn
July 2017
Michael and Julio partner with Andre Feliciano to develop the Mercury Daniels bicycle prototype
September 2017
World premiere of Solarplexus at Rockwall Studios in Brooklyn (produced by Michael, Sam, and Julio)
August 2018
Solarplexus premieres internationally at the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe (produced by Sam and Michael)
Gallery
