Anish Pinnamaraju's audition for the Modern Shakespeare Society was anything but traditional. Rather than standing and reading a script, he auditioned by riding a Tar Heel Bike around the room while speaking a monologue about how much he loved the bikes.
This is just one example of how the theater society focuses on the art of Neo-futurism, allowing performers to be authentically themselves onstage.
The Modern Shakespeare Society's shows are called 30 Plays in 60 Minutes, which is exactly what it sounds like — 30 small plays, ranging from funny skits to personal monologues, are performed within a one-hour period.
“30 Plays not only gives me a platform to explore vulnerability, but also to make people laugh and spread an intense sense of connection,” Pinnamaraju said.
Pinnamaraju, a senior double majoring in dramatic art and communications, has been with the Modern Shakespeare Society since his sophomore year.
“All the art that we make is very personal to us,” Pinnamaraju said. “They describe our inner lives, things we notice about the world, whether they're funny or very personal (or) vulnerable and sad.”
Mia Lerner, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations and creative writing, joined the group during her first year.
Lerner said the group is rooted in honesty, vulnerability, brevity and truth.
“It’s a way of doing theater that's nontraditional,” Lerner said. “It’s not your standard play, but it still says a lot.”
