EL PASO, Texas – The University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Theatre and Dance is gearing up for the opening night of Rhinoceros, the acclaimed absurdist play by Eugene Ionesco. The production will run for four consecutive evenings, November 18, 19, 20 and 21, at the Wise Family Theatre, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. each night.
Why the play matters to El Paso families
Set in a small, unnamed town, Rhinoceros follows a sudden surge of residents turning into rhinoceroses. While many accept the transformation as normal, one man—Bérenger—refuses to go along, asking uncomfortable questions about the crowd’s blind conformity. The play’s central conflict mirrors timeless concerns about the erosion of personal liberty and the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism, topics that resonate strongly with the values of faith, family and individual responsibility cherished by many in our community.
Production highlights
Director James Miller (associate professor of directing) describes the staging as a blend of classic absurdist humor and modern visual design. “We want audiences to see how easily a community can surrender its identity when pressured by a dominant narrative,” Miller said. Set designer Laura Gonzalez has created a minimalist backdrop that emphasizes the stark transformation of the townspeople, while costume designer Ramon Diaz uses subtle rhinoceros motifs to signal the creeping loss of individuality.
The cast includes a mix of seasoned faculty and talented students, giving local theatergoers a chance to support emerging artists. Lead student actor Emily Sanchez portrays the skeptical Bérenger, while veteran faculty member Robert Hernandez takes on the role of the charismatic yet unsettling Jean, whose persuasive speeches drive the town toward the animalistic metamorphosis.
Community outreach and family-friendly programming
In line with UTEP’s commitment to community engagement, the department will host a pre‑show discussion on November 17 at 5:00 p.m. The forum, open to the public, will feature a panel of scholars, local clergy and civic leaders who will explore how the play’s themes intersect with contemporary concerns about cultural conformity, civic virtue and the preservation of family values.
Tickets are priced at $10 for students, $12 for seniors and $15 for general admission. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more, making the performances accessible to churches, school groups and local service organizations. All proceeds will support the department’s scholarship fund, which helps low‑income students pursue degrees in the performing arts.
How to attend
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on November 18, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets can be purchased online through the UTEP Theatre website or at the Wise Family Theatre box office on the day of the performance, subject to availability. Parking is free in the adjacent lot, and the venue is fully accessible.
For families seeking a thought‑provoking cultural experience that reinforces the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, Rhinoceros offers a timely reminder that the courage to question the majority is a cornerstone of a healthy, free society.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
