Orson Welles' War of the Worlds

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Play the Moment Productions in conjunction Questionable Productions presents Orson Welles' War of the Worlds in its Orlando debut. Why do we fall into fear so easily? Why do we trust that the worst scenario is the most likely scenario? The FCC labeled it as an act of terrorism. On October 30, 1938, 12 million people were sent into a state of panic when they heard the live reports of a Martian invasion. Many evacuated their homes, abandoned their lives and rushed the streets in mass hysteria -- all as a result of a news bulletin, which interrupted their evening radio program. It was the greatest hoax ever perpetuated and fallen for by the greatest number of people. All meant to be a bit of holiday fun. Actor Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater On The Air claim they meant to provide the public a little thrill as a Halloween treat by performing the story War of the Worlds by H.G. Welles. But the public didn't hear the disclaimer at the beginning of the program. However, this was a public that was already living with anxiety. America was accustomed to interruptions in their radio programs. The community was ready for the worst scenario, as tensions in Europe were rising and ominous warnings of German invasions became a regular occurrence during America's prime time radio hour. The American public was expecting this. Orson Welles' War of the Worlds is directed and devised by Aradhana Tiwari and Joseph Fletcher and features local actors Brandon Roberts, Mike Gill, Frank McLain, Erika Wilhite, Lindsey Cohen, Chantry Banks, Joshua Weidenhamer, Alan James Gallant, Samuel Little, and Tonja Mobley Pektas. This production, done in radio play style, is based on the real life story of a country in terror. Using the original script of the radio play and the real life accounts of the experience, Orson Welles' War of the Worlds peels back the layers of collective fear until reality and art collide in a surprising revelation of the human spirit. Do we trust all the information we receive? Or should we exercise caution as Orson Welles recommends, and "don't drink everything that comes out the tap."

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