Alien Nation
By Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques
Directed and Co-Designed by Skylar Fox
Nightdrive, Paradise Factory, 2018
Co-Scenic Design: Adam Wyron
Lighting Design: Christopher Annas-Lee
Costume Design: Corrinne Hunke
Original Music and Sound Design: Nara Shin
Projection Design: Caite Hevner
Associate Director: Emily Garrison
Stage Manager: Lida Richardson
Performed by Carrie Adams, Jessie Kenner-Tidball, Alexander Paris, Simon Henriques, Elisha Mudly, & Graham Techler
Alien Nation is a live, immersive alien movie about a group of college seniors who might be terrible people, and the race of aliens that invade their bodies to make them better. Running from the FBI, who are coming to neutralize the extraterrestrial threat, these kids are forced to reckon with what it means to change, to outgrow and be outgrown by those you love, and to try to be a better human being. Complete with an original film score, dancing, stage magic, practical effects, a 360 degree set design, and more, Alien Nation casts and recasts its audience as extras in a wild, funny, theatrical thriller tinged with existential regret.
“The play feels like a real-life Edgar Wright film, with sets suddenly transforming and the audience being transported instantaneously as if by jump-cut. There must have been at least 30 scene changes throughout the show, each effortlessly delivered. The show is a masterclass for immersive creators ... This audience interaction mixed with the dark satirical humor, and incredibly “straight” delivery of the cast, makes Alien Nation a very enjoyable performance. And in the midst of all the laughter, there are some really moving and surprisingly deep lines that cut through the madness.” -No Proscenium