A.R.T. opens its season with an adaptation of "Rhinoceros," using absurdity to tackle pressing themes of humanity and individuality.
A.R.T. Launches Season with ‘Rhinoceros’ Featuring Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and John Turturro
Amidst an unsuspecting Sunday morning, a small town faces an inexplicable change: its residents are turning into rhinoceroses. This bizarre scenario sets the stage for the American Repertory Theater’s first production of the 2026-2027 season.
Adapted from Eugène Ionesco’s iconic absurdist play “Rhinoceros,” which first premiered in 1959, this version translates Ionesco’s insights into contemporary relevance. Directed by Diane Paulus, a celebrated figure in theater, the production features a remarkable cast, including three Emmy Award winners: Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and John Turturro. The show opens Friday and will run until September 27.
A Journey Through Absurdity
Giamatti, acclaimed for his performances in “The Holdovers” and “Too Big to Fail,” describes the play as both serious and whimsically childlike. He portrays Jean, a character emblematic of bourgeois absurdity who is among the first to succumb to the transformation. “The more bizarre it becomes, the more profound it feels,” he remarks, pointing to the duality inherent in the narrative.
The Relevance of Individuality
The core of “Rhinoceros” centers on the struggle to maintain individuality in a world that prizes conformity—a theme resonant in today’s society. Turturro, who takes on the lead role of Berenger, acknowledges the timeless nature of these issues. He emphasizes how fear of difference can lead people down a path toward increasingly irrational behavior. “Small discrepancies can quickly escalate into larger societal rifts,” he explains.
Historical Context and Modern Resonance
Paulus provides context for Ionesco’s work, noting that the playwright’s experiences growing up in Romania during politically tumultuous times inform the play’s themes. She believes that contemporary audiences can deeply relate to the absurd yet eerily familiar scenarios presented in the narrative.
“This play allows us space to look at things that are going to feel like they’re ripped out of the headlines, and yet we’re talking about rhinoceroses taking over a little, small town,”
Diane Paulus
Paulus captures the essence of the play as a timeless reflection on humanity, encouraging audiences to engage with the narrative on both a personal and societal level.
Character Depth and Emotional Impact
Maslany, recognized for her roles in “Orphan Black” and “She-Hulk,” found her first encounter with the play to be profoundly moving. She portrays Daisy, a complex character intertwined with Berenger’s journey. “I felt like it resonated with my emotions in a way that was both funny and remarkably prescient,” she states, highlighting the intricate layers of humor and pathos in the script.
In their introspection, the actors recognize critical questions posed by the narrative about what defines humanity, especially amid the digital age replete with social media and artificial intelligence. Giamatti raises poignant inquiries about individuality as Berenger struggles with his identity: “What makes him human is his imperfections.”
Collaborative Spirit and Creative Direction
The ensemble cast also features Harriett D. Foy, Peter Francis James, Kristine Nielsen, and others, all contributing to a reimagination of this historical work. Maslany praises Turturro's leadership, emphasizing his talent for recognizing and amplifying the unique strengths of each performer in the cast.
A Lasting Legacy at the A.R.T.
As Paulus moves toward new horizons in her directing career, “Rhinoceros” serves as her concluding project at the Loeb Drama Center before the A.R.T. transitions to its new venue in Allston, the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance. She expresses her gratitude for working alongside such talented individuals, marking this production as a unique collaboration.
Regarding the mechanics of embodying a rhinoceros onstage, Giamatti suggests that the audience will need to witness the performance in person for a full experience. “It’s fun and intriguingly challenging,” he quips, looking forward to the creative endeavor.
For those interested in experiencing this captivating production, tickets are available on the A.R.T. website.
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