Good science fiction compels. Better science fiction is compelling and classic, meaning that it reaches beyond immediate currency to stand the test of time. But the very best of the genre does all that—grabs you and makes you sit up and pay attention, manages to stay timely no matter how long ago it was written—and more; meaning that it can be uncannily predictive.
Just how is it that so many science fiction writers, such as “Fahrenheit 451” author Ray Bradbury, who penned his novel nearly three quarters of a century ago way back in 1953, get it right? It’s astonishing really.
The basic premise of the novel, and now the play, is that instead of putting out blazes, firemen now just burn books. Because knowledge is dangerous.
Then written as a dystopian warning about the perils of spiritual and intellectual vacuity, the book’s main themes—the dangers of censorship, the easy consumption of propaganda, and overall spread of the unenlightened masses –warned of what could happen in the face of corruption and complacency. While we aren’t necessarily burning massive pyres of books at the moment (though that has happened, and no doubt will never completely not be a thing), nonetheless the past decade in America seen the figurative setting of fire to the standards and norms that we had all, up to a certain point in time, expected.
Once part of the core curriculum in classrooms across America, the book is still taught today but is perhaps not as in demand as it has been in the past. Which is why all the above and more point to now being the perfect time for a theatrical production version of this important work. Bravo to Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor for putting it on!
Directed by Stephen Hamilton, and starring John Kroft, J. Stephen Brantley, and Anna Francesca Schiavoni, the show is now staging through November 30, on the Main Stage and for Long Island students as part of the theater’s Literature Live! program. It’s important viewing for young and not-quite-so young.
I particularly enjoyed Ms. Schiavoni’s interpretation of her character, which was exuberant and charming.
Additional cast and crew include: Matthew Conlon, Daniela Mastropietro, Nicole Marie Hunt, Dan Pavacic, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane on the stage and David Brandenburg, Yuka Silvera, Garett Pembrook and Rick Sordelet behind the scenes.
For additional information, and to purchase tickets visit baystreet.org.
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