A virtual performance of a science fiction tale

Boston Center for the Arts is presenting a production, “SHRIKE,” from its Launchpad Resident company, Fresh Ink Theatre. The virtual performance will be taking place from Feb. 4 – 25. “Shrike” is written by Erin Lerch and directed by Josh Glenn-Kayden. The show is about “who you can trust and why, and the important role of found family,” according to a press release. The limited-run film taped live at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Black Box will be streamed online. Audiences can access the pricing, show link, and other specially filmed events by going to the ticketing website at https://freshinktheatre.gumroad.com/l/nnbgs.

The creative team explained the concept of the play:

“‘Shrike’ takes place a little under a decade into the future of the continental United States. After an alien Legion arrived and devastated human civilization via bioweapons and military might, a small band of humans continue to fight back. Grasping onto glimpses of hope over the radio, the human rebellion finds themselves fighting to survive in the face of immense grief and seemingly unbeatable odds, and to hold on to their humanity in the fight against the Legion.

To quote ‘Rogue One,’ ‘Rebellions are built on hope.’ This rebellion has just lost Badger, who was both their indomitable leader and a beacon of hope across the resistance. Sheena finds the rebellion at this moment, as they’re on the edge of falling apart in the wake of Badger’s disappearance. Each member of the rebellion struggles with their own grief over the loss, leading them to clash over the question of leadership and who has the right to decide the future of the Rebellion, with Sheena caught in the middle.”

Fresh Ink Theatre says, “If you’re interested in learning more about SHRIKE, there is an accompanying podcast, The Legion Tapes, co-produced by Lerch and Glenn-Kayden. It is available on all podcast platforms, and was described by New England Theatre Geek as ‘lusciously queer, epically non-binary.'”