Commissioned by the University of Rochester’s International Theatre Program, We Don’t Live on Mars Yet is a devised work with an ensemble of Rochester students. The show is a timely work on the topic of immigration and how refugees fit into our lives.
The thought-provoking experiential theatrical premiere reflects on Rochester’s history and its refugees. We Don’t Live on Mars Yet asks questions about our notions of what “home” means and why society insists on calling some people “aliens.”
“This is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” says Matalin Collins ’19. In the beginning, the environmental studies major, who’s been part of past productions at Todd Theater, admits she was nervous about not having a solid script as the ensemble began to meet. But as time went by, she saw the value in bringing people together to generate ideas and create something new. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and about creating art and theater,” she says.