BRANDON TORRES
STAFF WRITER

The CSUSM Visual and Performing Arts department is presenting a seven-night production of “Spring Awakening.”

This controversial play was initially banned in several countries throughout the world in the early 1900s due to its blunt portrayal of abortion, homosexuality, rape, child abuse, suicide, masturbation and sadomasochism. When shown in New York in 1917, public outcry forced production of the play to shut down due to charges of obscenity.

“My character…is a philosopher. He’s constantly questioning society. Religion is what he’s mainly questioning. Religion was so influential in society at the time. He’s always pursuing knowledge,“ said Christopher Murphy, CSUSM senior playing the lead role of Melchior.

Throughout the play, the audience follows four teenagers and their sexual realizations while trying to navigate through our sex-saturated culture. The play maintains a comedic tone and employs alternative rock as part of its musical score.

“This play is still relevant today because teen sexuality is still taboo. The play raises questions on teenage life, not just sexuality. The playwright [Frank Wedekind] thought adults were moronic. All adults are illogical, and their names indicate that,” Murphy said.

“I’m most excited about exploring the different aspects of sexuality. There’s heterosexual sex, queer sex, masturbation, dealing with abortion and there’s even S&M. Experiencing how the audiences react is something I’m most excited about. The sex scene, while short, is very intimate. This play deals with sex in a very real way, and is impactful,“ Murphy said.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, or $5 for students with ID. Tickets are available at the door. Performances begin Wednesday, April 4 at 7 p.m. and continue throughout the weekend. The performances will take place at the Arts Building, Room 111.

Please note: The sexual content in this play may not be appropriate for children 12 and under.