Journey through the universe on Spaceship Earth with the Leonardo da Vinci of the twentieth century as your guide. Futurist, environmentalist, and geodesic dome designer Bucky Fuller takes us on an adventure through his life and times—from his childhood in Massachusetts, to his meeting with Albert Einstein, to his breakthrough moments of invention. A visionary who anticipated many of the challenges the world faces today, Fuller shows us how to save humanity and the planet by doing more with less.
R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
Starts January 14, 2011
"Derrah conveys Fuller’s perpetual excitement in the workings of the universe and his own remarkable mind….even if you’re scratching your head, chances are you’ll be glad you heard him say it."
— Boston Globe
Multimedia
Hear from audience members about R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE. It's an "incredible" and "awe-inspiring" show that will "give you a lot to think about"!
Hear from D. W. Jacobs (author and director) and Allegra Fuller Snyder (Bucky's daughter) about our upcoming production of R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
Meet Bucky. Rehearsal from R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
D.W. Jacobs discuses R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
"Extraordinary…. a whirlwind of impassioned ideas, both whimsical and deadly serious….leaves us with the belief that problems can be solved, if only individuals take up the challenge. Derrah demonstrates astounding range and stamina."
— Boston Herald
“Hugely entertaining!”
— Los Angeles Times
"SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: 'Caution, this play… contains IDEAS.' "
— Smith, SAN DIEGO READER
“Startlingly funny, intellectually stimulating, and genuinely moving.”
— San Francisco Examiner
In the News
"Thomas Derrah's Bucky is a delighted dervish of thought, his ideas, recollections, prognostications, and tender feelings tumbling like gymnastics in a circus of discovery....a spry and spiritual performance that captures not only the intellectual inventiveness of this iconoclastic thinker but also his childlike enthusiasm." -The Boston Phoenix
"One of the liveliest, most engaging, thought-provoking productions you may ever see.Thomas Derrah captures his spirited essence and zest for life in an extraordinary performance." -Metro
"Derrah may be the best actor in town.... He’s an actor of astonishing grace, comfort and control. And, just as importantly, he’s got grit and guts.... If you love the art of theater, then you should watch Derrah work this material." -TAB Community Newspapers
In R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE, "Derrah conveys Fuller’s perpetual excitement in the workings of the universe and his own remarkable mind….even if you’re scratching your head, chances are you’ll be glad you heard him say it." - The Boston Globe
R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE is "extraordinary.... A whirlwind of impassioned ideas, both whimsical and deadly serious.... Leaves us with the belief that problems can be solved, if only individuals take up the challenge. Derrah demonstrates astounding range and stamina." — Boston Herald
"Astonishing.... If Earth was a spaceship to Bucky, then Tommy Derrah blasts off the stage and into the stratosphere of what's possible for an actor; all I wanted to do was hang on for the ride." -Joyce Kulhawik
WBUR.org: "Buckminster Fuller — the influential thinker and futurist — is known around the world for his big ideas and his inventions, including the curious-looking but structurally efficient geodesic dome. But now the Massachusetts native is coming home, thanks to a new one-man production at the American Repertory Theater."
One-man play at A.R.T. recounts futurist Fuller’s life.
R. Buckminster Fuller: The History (and Mystery) of the Universe is "an entertainment modeled on the celebrated lectures Fuller traveled the world to give...in which the famously voluble Bucky tells the story of his life, expounds on some of his key ideas, and occasionally bursts into song..." -The Boston Globe
Press Releases
January 7, 2011
Creative Team
| DESIGNERS: | |
| Set & Lighting Design | David Lee Cuthbert |
| Costume Design | Darla Cash |
| Projections | Jim Findlay |
| Sound/Composition | Luis Perez |
| CAST: | |
| R. Buckminster Fuller | Thomas Derrah* |
| ADDITIONAL STAFF: | |
| Stage Manager | Adele Nadine Traub* |
| Dramaturg | Annie DiMario |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Chris de Camillis |
| Production Associate | Sarah Gasser |
(*) members of Actors Equity Association
Non-Required Reading
Author D. W. Jacobs on learning from R. Buckminster Fuller.
Video designer Jim Findlay on Bucky and the Creative Process.
Annie DiMario on R. Buckminster Fuller.
A welcome note from A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus.
Notes on Bucky Fuller by Annie DiMario.
Resources for learning more about R. Buckminster Fuller.
Sponsors
PRODUCTION SPONSORS: Ann and Graham Gund
Runtime:
2 hours and 15 minutes (includes a 15-minute intermission)
Need to know:
Single tickets on sale to members: 11/30.
On sale to the public: 12/14.
Discussions:
Bucky and Me: Hear from artists, scientists, and scholars about how R. Buckminster Fuller influences their work. View full schedule >>
Extras:
10% off with ticket stub
