The Catastrophist by Lauren Gunderson

How do you plan for a catastrophe? Virologist Nathan Wolfe, named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work tracking viral pandemic outbreaks, proposed pandemic insurance years before the novel coronavirus outbreak. No one bought it. Now, in a post-COVID world, we hear his story—presented as cinematic digital theatre. MTC Playwright in Residence Lauren Gunderson returns with a time-...
How do you plan for a catastrophe? Virologist Nathan Wolfe, named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work tracking viral pandemic outbreaks, proposed pandemic insurance years before the novel coronavirus outbreak. No one bought it. Now, in a post-COVID world, we hear his story—presented as cinematic digital theatre. MTC Playwright in Residence Lauren Gunderson returns with a time-jumping tale based on the life and work of Nathan Wolfe (who also happens to be her husband). Though not a play about COVID19, it is a true story of a pandemic expert. An interactive deep dive into the profundities of scientific exploration and the harrowing realities of facing your own mortality, The Catastrophist is a world premiere theatrical experience built of and for this moment in time.
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The Catastrophist

Recommended by

  • Wyn Alyse Thomas:
    31 Jul. 2022
    “ A beautiful exploration of a character's life and it's parallel with his career as an epidemiologist. It does a wonderful job of feeling relevant (in the sense that it talks about a pandemic), while still keeping enough distance from COVID that it is not too emotionally difficult to read. This play is so important to me as a writer, showing me how to weave science and other non-theatrical topics into a theatrical setting-- I talked about it extensively in my college interview! ”
  • Ian Donley:
    29 Jul. 2022
    “ As a fan of Lauren Gunderson, the thing that stands out about her to me is her ability to transport you into the world of her characters. She takes human truths and presents them on a silver platter for us to enjoy. Her use of language connects her characters to the themes she's exploring (in this case, to the idea that we don't know how the future will unfold, and it's wise to keep yourself grounded through your upbringing and morality. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    21 Apr. 2021
    “ A fascinating story of the one who foresaw a catastrophe we never expected to see live out, a global pandemic. Moving and well done. ”

Character Information

  • Nathan
    40,
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Well spoken, confidant, perfectionist, deep critical thinker, examiner of nature,
    unpacker of big ideas, more emotional than he thinks, father, husband, knows much but not all.
    Jewish, atheist, scientist.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

Production History