War of the Worlds - Virtual Performance by Cal State LA Department of Theater and Dance

Introduction

• Welcome Message:
  • Reminder to turn off distractions
  • No food or drink allowed
• Emergency Instructions:
  • Emergency exits are wherever you decide
  • Technicians are trained and will handle technical difficulties
• Program Information:
  • Virtual program available on the department website

The Performance Begins

News Bulletin

• Reports of unidentified debris falling in major cities across eastern US
• Destruction caused by crash landings
• Citizens advised to stay indoors, evacuate if near damaged buildings
• Military and local authorities mobilized for rescue operations
• Speculated involvement of SpaceX
• Spread of debris clusters to other continents, including London
• Social media posts: mechanical debris, horrific creatures emerging
• Unconfirmed reports and disinformation on social media
• Debris becoming active and attacking people
• Video evidence showing destruction due to interference

Live Reports and Reactions

Individual Experiences

• Audience Reactions:
  • Skepticism and fear expressed by viewers
  • Speculation about aliens, satellites, or government operations
• Impact on Cities:
  • Reports of massive destruction in multiple cities
  • Authorities and military unable to contain the situation

Social Media Live Stream

• Narration of a live stream from an individual in Burbank
  • Power outages, cars not starting
  • Detailed description of a satellite crash
  • Police interaction with the debris
  • Light beam causing destruction

Responses to Events

• Disbelief and Panic:
  • People distrusting official reports
  • Discussions of potential causes (terrorists, government, etc.)
• Personal Impact:
  • The mental impact on individuals with loved ones affected by the crashes

Military Perspective

• Soldier’s account of engaging the debris
  • Failed containment and heavy casualties
  • Debris interferes with communications and electronics
• Soldier’s decision to avoid open areas and potential strategies

Medical Facility Experience

• Hospital Report: Patient under lockdown
  • Invasion of the facility by aliens
  • Description of the aliens: octopus-like appendages, aggressive behavior
  • Aliens engaging in violent acts against patients

Resolution

• Reports coming in of the aliens suddenly collapsing and dying
  • Speculated cause: virus (novel coronavirus) affecting aliens
  • Accounts of aliens melting or deteriorating

Final Reflection

• Broadcast Message:
  • Emphasis on the unexpected role of the virus in defeating aliens
  • Encouragement to consider human unity in the face of global threats