Civil

by Rob Matsushita

A social satire set in an unspecified future, where trials are held in a virtual environment, and can only be 40 minutes long. Five actors (2 men, 2 women, and one that can be played by either gender) play multiple roles, and the audience votes on the outcomes of both trials.

This show is meant to be performed with no set, no props, and minimal costumes. But productions are encouraged to go crazy with lights...

A social satire set in an unspecified future, where trials are held in a virtual environment, and can only be 40 minutes long. Five actors (2 men, 2 women, and one that can be played by either gender) play multiple roles, and the audience votes on the outcomes of both trials.

This show is meant to be performed with no set, no props, and minimal costumes. But productions are encouraged to go crazy with lights and sound.

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Civil

Recommended by

  • Colette Mazunik: Civil by Rob Matsushita
    “

    Audience participation at its best! Rob Matsushita creates a thoroughly engaging (and surprisingly eerie) experience that will keep you talking on your drive home from the theatre.

    Audience participation at its best! Rob Matsushita creates a thoroughly engaging (and surprisingly eerie) experience that will keep you talking on your drive home from the theatre.

    ”
  • Alandra Hileman: Civil by Rob Matsushita
    “

    A clever script with a simple premise: the audience serves as jury in two civil trials, conducted in a virtual reality simulator portrayed by five actors. However, the brilliance lies in the timeliness of the cases presented, forcing the audience to confront their own preconceived notions and vote on the outcomes. The interspersed "commercials" provide both comic relief and hint at the bleak future in which this play might exist. Equally fun to design, perform, and watch!

    A clever script with a simple premise: the audience serves as jury in two civil trials, conducted in a virtual reality simulator portrayed by five actors. However, the brilliance lies in the timeliness of the cases presented, forcing the audience to confront their own preconceived notions and vote on the outcomes. The interspersed "commercials" provide both comic relief and hint at the bleak future in which this play might exist. Equally fun to design, perform, and watch!

    ”

Production History

  • Community Theater, Benchmark Theatre, 2018
  • Community Theater, Dreamwell Theatre, Iowa City, IA, 2017
  • Professional, Quantum Dragon Theatre, 2016
  • Community Theater, Broom Street Theater, Madison, WI, 2014