"The American Dream," the university theater department’s only Studio Series production of the semester, is a little absurd. 

The one-act play by American playwright Edward Albee is an absurdist satire about American family life, Tyler Krieg, the play's director, said. A married couple and their elderly mother are visited by two guests who change the entire course of the day.

Krieg, a senior theater major, said he was chosen to be the play's director because of his vision of the show.

“I love this piece because it borders on the line of realism and absurdism. It speaks to so many different levels of theater and to so many different levels of people,” he said.

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, absurdism is based on the belief that the universe is meaningless and searching for order brings an individual into conflict with the universe.

“The play is written in absurdism. It’s written in this heightened stereotypical world. Usually absurdist pieces show moral or ethical values that have gone awry or to emphasize and heighten one aspect of culture,” Krieg said.

Sophomore theater major Wyn Delano, who plays Daddy, discussed the play in a real-life perspective.

“Every character is representative or symbolic of some part of the American Dream. A lot of the actions of the characters aren’t necessarily motivated by how normal people would act in certain situations,” he said.

Junior musical theater major Amber Flores, who plays Mommy, said the play is difficult to perform because the play incorporates a mix of genres.

“It takes a lot of effort to try and find a character who is realistic but also acts absurd,” Flores said.

Delano said those who plan to see the play should come with an open mind.

The first performance is scheduled for Thursday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hays Theatre at the university's Walsh Center. A list of performance information can be found on the theatre department’s website.

Tickets for “The American Dream” went on sale Monday, March 4 at the Theatre TCU Box Office. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for TCU students, faculty and senior citizens. Theatre patrons can call (817) 257-8080 for more information.