Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco

UCF Mainstage (Blackbox theatre)

November 14-24, 2024

Rhinoceros explores themes of conformity, culture, and the rise of totalitarianism. Set in a small French town, the story begins with the protagonist, Berenger, who is an apathetic and somewhat aimless individual. One day, a rhinoceros runs through the town square, shocking the townspeople. As the play progresses, more people in the town begin to transform into rhinoceroses. Berenger remains one of the few who resists this transformation, struggling with his own sense of isolation and the pressure to conform. The play serves as an allegory for the rise of fascism and other forms of groupthink.

As director, my text-based approach to this play emphasized the irresistibility of the rhinoceroses and what they could represent. The actors devised rhinocerotic movement to be just charismatic enough to make one wonder: would I join them? In collaboration with our costume and sound designers, I leaned into the midcentury French aesthetic native to the play. Our abstract and minimalist set and props allowed the audience to use their imagination and explore the play’s contemporary relevance. Staged immediately after the 2024 presidential election, this production was one I’ll never forget.