RHODY LIFE

Trinity offers 'The Catastrophist' online

Warwick Beacon ·

Trinity Rep is offering theater lovers a unique opportunity to watch Lauren Gunderson’s spellbinding “cinematic digital theatre” presentation of “The Catastrophist,” a one-person play about her father, virologist Nathan Wolfe, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential people.

The 80-minute play is a blend of the scientific and personal lives of the man who studied viruses among animals in Cameroon and went on to be an expert in the field at the CDC.

William de Meritt plays Wolfe with an intensity that draws you into the production and makes you feel that you are on the otherwise empty stage with him.

In nearly two-dozen scenes, the actor covers Wolfe’s early years, including his views on life and death and his studies and conclusions about the nature of pandemics.

“Theatre is not science,” he tells his audience, “and the pandemic is not fun.”

He talks with passion about misconceptions we have about viruses and bacteria, micromorphs and technical “beeswax,” shifting to Wolfe’s personal life that is filled with joys and disappointments.

“The Catastrophist” is quite cerebral at times, ending on an emotionally personal note.

The play will intellectually challenge you at times, while tugging at your emotions and beliefs.

Visit trinityrep.com or call 351-4242 to subscribe for $30 per household. You can screen “The Catastrophist” at any time.

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