Editor’s Note: This story contains spoilers about the show. Firebringer will be playing Nov. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online

A reformed tribe of baby-eaters discover the uses of weapons in Linfield University’s production of Firebringer. The musical brings a comedic commentary to discussions on global warming and the effects of human ingenuity.

“My favorite scene in the play is when I start the chant to eat our tribe leader,” Hannah Jones, who plays Shwoopsie, said.

While Firebringer’s message may be laden with poop jokes and swear words, the point is clear: humanity has pursued progress at the expense of the planet and other species that inhabit it. 

The story begins with a change in leadership in which Jemilla, the peacemaker, must trapeze the precarious state Molouge, the war-master and narrator, has left the tribe in. Seeking to understand the world they live in and survive, Jemilla has given everyone jobs. From food gathering to holding up the sky, to translating the clucks of the all-knowing chicken–every member of the tribe is integral to the tribe’s success and survival. 

Zazzili, the soon-to-be inventor of fire, will do anything to evade work. After she discovers the fire, Zazzili is elected as the new tribe leader. This discovery should’ve made tribe life easier, but instead, they hunt local mammals to near extinction and burn down their village.

Members of the cast have enjoyed working on the project. The narrator and characters engage with the audience several times throughout the show. Katie Jones, who plays Molag, enjoyed swearing at her professors in attendance. 

“I’m this little omnipotent being standing above everybody and I get to curse at people. I curse. I curse a lot,” Jones said. “It was rather cathartic.”

Jones, who rarely swears at others in her daily life, caught friends in attendance off-guard. Her complete transformation into violent and abrasive Molag was unprecedented.

“My jaw was on the floor, Katy never swears at people. I almost couldn’t believe it was her,” Maya Scott, Jones’ friend, said.

Whether students want relevant social commentary or to hear the audience be called “privileged fucks” by Molag half a dozen times, Firebringer has it all.

Firebringer opens at Linfield’s Marshall theatre

“Attending Firebringer was such a fun experience not only to watch but also be a part of because there’s a ton of audience interaction,” Kylie Davis, a junior, said.

Come for the mammoth accessorized in glam earrings and a bow named Trunkell, but stay for the criticism of the superiority complex of the human race.

“It’s two hours of poop jokes, if you need a little break, Firebringer is stress-relieving to watch,” Caroline Calvano, who plays Tiblyn, said.

Firebringer’s final shows are on Nov. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online.

More photos by Sam Brinda

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