Alumnus Michael Scholar, Jr. '16 Directs Duncan Macmillan's 'Lungs' at Studio 16

Alumnus Michael Scholar, Jr. ’16 directed Duncan Macmillan's Lungs for Mitch & Murray Productions at Studio 16 in Vancouver, Canada. The production premiered last Friday and continues through November 22. This two actor production stars real life husband and wife actors, Aaron and Kate Craven.

In Lungs a couple discusses whether or not they should have a child. The discussion takes place over many years and the debate is over whether childbearing is the morally correct choice in a world brimming with overpopulation, hatred, racism and climate change. “The ideas and issues brought up in this piece really resonate right now in the pandemic, with regards to questions like, Are we taking care of the planet, our neighbours and ourselves?” Scholar said, “This really resonates with us as artists and, to approach this during the pandemic, seems really timely.” 

In order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols in Canada, the production chose a couple to perform together, allowing performers to avoid social distancing. Audience numbers are limited to 25 people, with small barriers between the actors and audience. Macmillan’s notes in the script command that there should not be any costume, prop, or scenic changes, which allowed this production to maintain a simple presentation without concerns of additional health and safety hazards.

Scholar is the Founding Artistic Producer of November Theatre. His directorial credits include Ana for Hive 3, Hard Core Logo: Live, and Midsummer. His play Black Rider toured North America for over a decade and won several awards. For Vancouver’s Touchstone Theatre he was the playwright in residence in 2010/2011; and for Regina’s Globe Theatre he was the Artistic Associate in 2011/2012, where he developed original work and programmed a season of the Sandbox Series. He was the Assistant Director for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Romeo And Juliet. 

Tickets to Lungs can be purchased at Mitch and Murray Productions.