This weekend, The Utica University Theatre Department will debut its spring production of Rhinoceros, a dark yet humorous absurdist play by Eugène Ionesco. Performances will take place in Strebel Auditorium on campus from April 10 -13, showcasing months of collaboration among students, faculty and community members.

The play centers on a quiet town where people mysteriously begin turning into rhinoceroses—an allegory for the rise of fascism and the dangers of mass conformity. Originally written in 1959, Ionesco’s absurdist satire remains relevant today.

“Rhinoceros is about what it’s like to live through the rise of fascism,” director Rachel Wolfe said. “The whole thing is kind of nonsensical, but also hilarious because everything is nonsensical. It has that core of, ‘It is really disorienting to live through fascism,’ and the disoriented humor reflects that.”

The Utica production blends political commentary with broad comedic appeal. Wolfe said the play uses a mix of visual gags, physical comedy and clever wordplay to engage audiences.

“We’ve got lots of fun visual humor, silly slapstick moments and gags,” Wolfe said. “So if you’re into Three Stooges-esque physical humor, this play is great. There’s also a fair amount of wordplay.”

The production also features a live animal actor—campus feline celebrity Kitty plays the role of Little Cat.

“We have a live cat in this production, which we’re very happy about,” Wolfe said. “Our feline actor is the star of the show.”

While the play contains moments of levity, the production team is not shying away from its political message. Laura Salvaggio, the play’s set designer, said audiences should expect both laughter and serious reflection.

“While a comedy, the play is still a statement against fascism,” Salvaggio said. “It’s a comedy that helps you feel something about the world in a slightly different way.”

The decision to stage Rhinoceros was a direct response to current events, including last year’s presidential election.

“We had narrowed it down to two,” Salvaggio said. “But as the election unfolded, we decided the other option didn’t address the political events going on right now. We felt it was really important for this art moment to reflect what’s happening.”

Tackling a politically charged production has brought emotional and creative challenges to the department. Salvaggio said the work has been cathartic but also heavy at times.

“There is a weight that comes with this play existing in a fascist world,” she said. “Our costume designer, for instance, has had to create insignias for fascist groups, and she’s kind of living in that world to design the costumes. There’s that dichotomy—this is something I can do in response, but there are these moments where you are sometimes overwhelmed with it.”

Salvaggio emphasized how theater can prepare audiences emotionally for real-world issues.

“You go to the theater and feel these things on stage,” she said. “Then when you encounter them in life, you have a point of reference. It’s not all new emotions, and you can deal with it a little more sanely.”

For the cast, the message is clear. Christian Stevens, a junior physical therapy major who plays the character Dudard, said the play challenges the audience to stay grounded in their values.

“Don’t let societal pressures change your morals,” Stevens said. “That’s a big piece of the show.”

Rhinoceros will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are available at the door for $15 for the public and $5 for students. Sales are cash only.