Coming soon to the Black Box Theatre is a delightfully chaotic experience, with the School of Theatre and Dance’s upcoming performances of “Accidental Death of an Anarchist.”
The story starts off in a police station, where a suspected anarchist has supposedly fallen — or been thrown — from a window. The official report? “Accidental death.” Enter the Maniac, a mysterious, fast-talking and utterly fearless character who isn’t about to let a cover-up go unnoticed. With a flair for impersonation, the Maniac dives headfirst into the police bureaucracy, adopting the guise of judges and officials while turning interrogations into comedic chaos.
What follows is a dizzying series of rapid-fire antics, disguises and clever deceptions that peel back the layers of the official story, exposing contradictions and absurdities.
The play was written originally by Dario Fo and translated into English by Ed Emery. This production is directed by Alexander Gelman
Gelman is currently an acting professor at NIU. He is known for his director and translator work, specifically in translation of Russian to English. Some of his productions include: “L’Incoronazione di Poppea,” “Turn of the Screw,” “L’Italiana in Algeri,” “Camelot,” “Twelfth Night” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Gelman has also worked at Chicago Lyric Opera, New York Shakespeare Festival and The Juilliard School of Drama. He also taught and was the department head of the MFA director program at the University of Utah and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
At its core, “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” is more than just a comedy. It’s a mirror held up to the absurdities of bureaucracy, a spotlight on the fragile line between truth and fiction, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to challenge authority is with wit, courage and a little bit of chaos.
With a diverse cast, Gelman’s sharp direction and Fo’s timeless brilliance, this production suggests an evening that’s unpredictable, exhilarating and unforgettable.
Tickets for the show must be purchased online prior to the show. General admission is $20, while seniors and NIU staff can attend for $18. Non‑NIU students can purchase tickets for $12, and current NIU students may attend for free with a reservation.
