Ohio State opens 2026-27 theater season with surreal tech drama
The production, which runs through early November, uses film noir aesthetics and student-designed lighting to explore digital relationships.
By Luca Harrison ·
Ohio State’s theater department has launched its 2026-2027 season with a dark comedy centered on digital connections.
The department introduced the season on Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the opening of "Dead Man’s Cell Phone." The play, written by Sarah Ruhl, explores the tension between technology and human intimacy. Beth Kattelman, a professor and curator at the university’s Theatre Research Institute, directed the production. The work is described as surreal and wacky, moving away from traditional realism to incorporate elements of film noir.
The story follows a young woman who discovers a deceased man’s cellphone. She begins answering the calls, attempting to make sense of his life and redeem him in the eyes of his family. Kattelman noted that the narrative is a twisted love story that does not fit the standard romantic template. The production design reflects this aesthetic, drawing on classic mysteries like "Sunset Boulevard" and "Double Indemnity." The set was created to evoke that specific cinematic world.
The staging utilizes several technological innovations to support the themes. Student designers created specific lighting effects and projections for the show. The production also features light-up umbrellas as a key visual element. Kattelman stated that these tools allow the cast to demonstrate unique storytelling capabilities on stage. She hopes the production challenges audience expectations of what live theater can achieve.
The cast believes the play offers a relevant message for modern audiences. Claire Booker, a third-year theater student and ensemble member, emphasized the importance of human connection. She argued that the show encourages viewers to step away from their devices. Booker described the production as a prompt to engage with the physical world rather than staying tethered to screens.
The performance schedule includes shows from Wednesday through Saturday, followed by a run from Nov. 4 to 6. The venue is the Blackbox Theatre within the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts. The location is at 1932 College Rd. N. Audiences can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the theater ticket office, or by phone at 614-292-2295.
