The NIU School of Theater and Dance will perform Bartleby, the Scrivener Thursday through Sunday and Oct. 4 through Oct. 7 at the Stevens Building O’Connell Theater.

Bartleby, the Scrivener is based on a short story by Herman Melville. It is narrated by a simple lawyer who hires a man named Bartleby to work as a scrivener in his law firm. But Bartleby becomes a very furtive character when he is asked to perform simple tasks. He responds to requests with, “I’d prefer not to,” yet he refuses to leave the office. The show continues with the lawyer’s internal conflict over the choices he has to make about figuring out exactly who Bartleby is.

The show, which only lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, stars six senior BFA acting majors.

“It’s been a fun journey since it’s our last year, and our last shebang,” said Amy Powell, who plays the character of Turkey.

William Burdin, who plays the character of Lawyer, otherwise called the Master of Chancery, said the somewhat strange story unfolds over the course of an hour, and in the end the whole experience comes together.

When the actors first read the script they thought it was a dry show. But once they began to rehearse on stage they saw it as a very funny, energetic play.

“It’s high-energy,” said Mark Hespen, who plays Senator Tugboat. “It’s quick and fun. Because of what the characters bring to the show, it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen.”

Bartleby, the Scrivener premieres tonight at 7:30 p.m. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. weeknights and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets can be purchased at the School of Theater and Dance Box Office in the Stevens Building or online at niu.edu/theatre.