The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore

It’s a story of evolution, biological and lingual. It’s a story of love, across boundaries and species. It’s a story of oppression, of inequality and colonialism. It’s the story of Bruno Littlemore, an unusually intelligent chimpanzee.

The Englert Theatre is proud to announce that it has commissioned its first original stage play, The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore, in partnership with Working Group Theatre. Bruno will premiere April 29th through May 1st at The Englert Theatre. Tickets are $25 Reserved Seating, $20 Seniors, and $10 Students, and will go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 26th.

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This event contains mature content and adult language and is recommended for patrons aged 15 and above.

Based on the novel of the same name by Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate Benjamin Hale, the piece was commissioned to celebrate a work from a recent Workshop alum. The novel and now dance theater piece follows Bruno Littlemore, a preternaturally gifted chimpanzee who falls under the care of — and, in turn, in love with — university primatologist Lydia Littlemore. As he develops his gifts for painting, language, philosophy, music, and study, Bruno simultaneously struggles to contain his wildness in his pursuit of humanity.

Stage play adapted and directed by Working Group Theatre artistic director Sean C. Lewis. Starring Barrington Vaxter (Sad Dad, Out of Bounds) as Bruno. Sponsored by the Iowa Arts Council and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Nolte Academy, and Hands Jewelers.

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