The Catastrophist
by Lauren M. Gunderson
Based on the life and work of Dr. Nathan Wolfe
Commissioned in 2020 by Marin Theatre Company
Virologist Nathan Wolfe, named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work tracking viral pandemics, has hunted viruses from the jungles of Cameroon to the basement of the CDC. Hear his story--presented as cinematic digital theatre--as he tracks the threats that come from without and within. A blazingly intelligent, wryly witty and warm look at the thrill of discovery, whether it's a new virus or the treasures of your own family.
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). 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.
World Premiere Digital Co-Production with Round House Theatre.
Jasson Minadakis
Co-Director, Co-Scenic Designer
Chris Houston
Composer
Lauren M. Gunderson
Playwright
Nakissa Etemad
Dramaturg
Sarah Smith
Stitcher / Costume Designer
Christina Hogan
Assistant Stage Manager
William DeMeritt
Nathan
Dr. Nathan Wolfe
Subject and Scientific Consultant
Peter Ruocco
Director of Photography/Editor
Martine Kei Green-Rogers
Dramaturg
Wen-Ling Liao
Lighting Designer
Dr. Steven Fugaro
COVID Medical Consultant
Liz Matos
COVID Compliance Officer
Video Gallery
"ABSOLUTELY RIVETING.
In this age of pandemic, it's a play for our times.
It makes filming a play into a virtue, because it doesn't look like a low-budget film or a second-hand recording of a performance we wish we'd seen live. It adds vigor and muscle. The scale of the video manipulation matches the scale of the theater in which the actor is performing. Being taught...in such an engaging and powerful and compelling way--so you feel as though it matters--is exhilarating."
"A deep, loving, touching portrait...that viewers can’t help but get swept up in, feeling its ache almost as if it were their own."
"Speaking of plays, you should totally check out feminist Lauren Gunderson’s newest one, The Catastrophist. The nuance of the structure and the captivating acting of William DeMeritt beautifully layer themes of faith, health, family and performance."
"Deeply affecting...sensorial...warmly comical. Readymade for this historical moment.
"A must-see...entertaining and compelling. Gunderson has created a masterpiece of storytelling that takes the restrictions of COVID-19 and turns them into a unique viewing experience."
"A subtle blend of film and live theatre...interesting and exotic yet entirely normal, filled, like all lives, with discovery and disappointment, joy and loss. In Ms Gunderson’s hands, The Catastrophist sheds compassionate light on the all-too-human tendency to ignore catastrophe until it is too late. There’s no risk, and plenty of reward, in watching this essential lesson."
"Catastrophist unleashes contagious drama. Catch it!
This is a play about a complex, likable human with a wealth of knowledge and a job that sets him apart but who is also a son, a dad and a husband. We experience all of that here.