The Timothy Mooney Repertory Theatre presents: MAN CAVE, a One-Man Sci-Fi Climate Change Tragicomedy, Volumes I and II!

Six years ago, Tim Mooney brought "Man Cave; a One-Man Sci-Fi Climate Change Tragicomedy" to Lewis University. "Man Cave" featured "the last man on Earth, broadcasting to whatever Klingons, Vulcans or Tralfamadorians might still be listening."

"Man Cave" was only one of SEVEN one-man shows, Mooney has brought to Lewis over the years; past events have included "Moliere than Thou" (2008) "Lot o' Shakespeare" (2012), "Shakespeare's Histories" (2015), "Breakneck Hamlet" (2016) and "Breakneck Twelfth Night" in 2025.

Now, Tim has returned to the theme of the original "Man Cave," with a SEQUEL. That second play now combines with "Volume I" to present a two-part "one-two punch" in a single evening! Those who caught the original "Man Cave" may remember that play ending on a "cliffhanger," with lots of people wondering just what happens next! While we, as a nation, briefly toyed with incentivizing green energy, the events of the last couple of years (and particularly the last presidential election) gave new life to the idea.

Both of these plays bring science to life in a fascinating and powerful dramatic fashion, endorsed by Environmental Science and Global Education faculties from California to Illinois to Florida, all celebrating the way these works make science accessible, engaging and even "terrifying."

The first 'Man Cave' explored how the world got into the climate conundrum, and how very quickly the environmental balance tipped us over into a cataclysm that we all somehow struggled to NOT see coming! Following a brief intermission, this second 'Man Cave' widens the lens a little further. Mooney notes, "It's still very much a tragicomedy, but this time the comedy takes on a very different tone, with a plot development I'm pretty sure nobody who saw 'Volume I' is likely to see coming!"

"That first 'Man Cave' depicted the end of civilization as we've known it, but Volume II stretches to grasp the epic size and vastness of (what must seem to us as) the 'nothingness' to follow. It's about as close as we can get to grasping the 'infinity' that preceded us as a species and the infinity that will follow after we're gone. My other favorite playwright (other than Shakespeare), Molière, once wrote, 'We die but once… but for such a very long time!'"

Tim took a year away from his "Breakneck Shakespeare" project to deal with a more immediate crisis. "While I think that an appreciation of Shakespeare lifts the overall spirit of humanity, I realized that such an understanding will do nobody any good if there are no humans left to understand that 'human condition.'"

Tim brings BOTH of these "existential peeks" into the apocalyptic future to Lewis University's Keith White Theatre on September 21 at 7:30 pm. While "Man Cave II" is rated PG (for language), "Man Cave II" is for all audiences. (Each play is about 45 minutes long, separated by a brief intermission.)

Come join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music as renowned cellist, Timothy Archbold, takes the stage at Lewis University. This extraordinary artist will perform a captivating program featuring beloved classical works alongside newer compositions.

Making art allows Ruth Michalsen (she/her) of Ruth Hong Art to appreciate the present. She lives with complex PTSD. She uses a variety of mediums, especially her own cut photographs, to depict personal experiences. Her work explores life's themes including mental health, childhood and self-compassion. Ruth resides in Romeoville, Illinois with her husband and two boys.

Bill Bartelt grew up in Joliet, the son of a farm dealer, in the days when it was still both a "cow town" and a "railroad town." The fascination for both has never left him. During a Chicago career in show business, Bill painted the rails, bridges, and watertanks that he first loved as a kid. Travels around the countryside kept him close to his rural roots, and the hills, forests and rivers have kept him sustained and inspired.

Multidisciplinary artist Kathryn Gauthier is a graduate of Emmanuel College and Trinity Rep Conservatory. Her extensive fine art career has progressed in tandem with her interests in the performing, culinary, and healing arts. She maintains memberships and frequently shows with CAVA, CSA, and Woman-made Gallery, and is represented in art collections in Chicago and Massachusetts. kathryngauthier.com

Gregorio Mejia, a graduate of the American Academy of Art, has distinguished himself with numerous awards throughout his 50-year career. He maintains memberships in the Palette & Chisel, CSA, CAVA, and the National Portrait Society among others. In addition to his fine art career, he is an experienced muralist, advertising production artist, and painting instructor.

The Lewis University Department of Art and Design is proud to present the Senior Capstone Exhibition. This biannual art show coincides with the capstone course, Senior Project. The course challenges graduating students to put their newly acquired skills and understanding of art to the test by participating in a professional exhibition experience.

A talented and experienced Black actress has been cast in Chaos in Belleville, an anti-lynching play set to open on Broadway. She's paid her dues throughout the years, playing stereotypical supporting roles in second-rate shows, and is ready for her star turn. Chaos in Belleville, written by a white playwright, might not be quite as enlightened a piece as she's been hoping for — but that doesn't mean it won't sell out. And selling out is the question at the heart of Alice Childress's comedy-drama. A cast of multigenerational Black actors rehearse under the purview of a white director and stage manager, and as the rehearsal process unfolds, theatre conventions and racial politics collide, resulting in a surprisingly funny yet deeply piercing look at the entertainment industry.

Written by Alice Childress; Directed by Risha Tenae Hill

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Prof. Harms will provide an introduction to the thought of Adam Smith. Along the way, he will demythologize Smith, and show him to be the moral philosopher he was.

Gregory Harms is an independent scholar long specializing in US foreign policy and the Middle East. He lectures, keeps a blog, and publishes articles on CounterPunch, Truthout, Mondoweiss, and Juan Cole's blog, Informed Comment. He is also the host of a podcast called the Inquiry, which discusses politics, culture, and philosophy. Harms has traveled throughout Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and has been interviewed on BBC Radio.

An award winning author, Harms has taught philosophy as an adjunct professor for almost fifteen years; his areas of specialization are moral and political philosophy. He spends most of his time in the company of Rousseau and Adam Smith. He is presently working on a book on the latter. For more information about Prof. Harms, visit www.gregoryharms.com

Join us for an in person film screening of, "They Cloned Tyrone". A pulpy sci-fi mystery with sharp social commentary that follows three unexpected allies as they uncover a chilling conspiracy hidden in their neighborhood. After the screening, join us for a discussion exploring race, surveillance, power, and satire in contemporary Black cinema.

Join Br. Peter Hannon and Dr. Mark Schultz of the history department in a debate over the meaning of the 2nd Amendment. How do we strike a balance between freedom and responsibility? Contact or for more information.