Bug (play)
Encyclopedia
Bug is a play
by American
playwright
Tracy Letts
. It was adapted into a film
in 2006.
room. Lonely cocktail waitress Agnes lives there, hiding from her violent ex-con ex-husband Jerry Goss. One night, her lesbian
biker friend R.C. introduces her to Peter, a Gulf War
veteran who might be AWOL. She gets involved with Peter, who grows increasingly paranoid about the war in Iraq
, UFOs, the Oklahoma City bombing
, cult suicides, and then secret government experiments on soldiers — eventually drawing Agnes into his delusions. The play deals with the issues of love, paranoia, conspiracy theories
, and Agnes' slow descent into insanity
under Peter's influence.
in Notting Hill, London, England on September 20, 1996. The rehearsals were at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
, followed by the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, DC, the play underwent a series of revisions and received an American premiere at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in March/April of 2000.
The play's Chicago Premiere was at A Red Orchid Theatre, where the play first rehearsed prior to its world premiere in London.
Amanda Plummer resigned from the Off-Broadway premiere 24 hours before its February 21 start date. A notice in the theater box office warned that the show contained nudity, violence and cigarette smoking.
's Independent Season 2010, in conjunction with Picture This Productions.
was released in 2006 from Lionsgate. It was directed by William Friedkin
, and starred Ashley Judd
, Harry Connick, Jr and Michael Shannon
. Friedkin contacted Tracy Letts after having seen the play, and they cooperated on a screen adaptation. Friedkin described the film as "the most intense piece of work I've ever done". Michael Shannon had played the part on stage. Lionsgate wanted to cast an actor with more name recognition, but Friedkin was determined to have Shannon perform in the film, saying he brought a unique quality to the part.
Nominations
Play (theatre)
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed...
by American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
playwright
Playwright
A playwright, also called a dramatist, is a person who writes plays.The term is not a variant spelling of "playwrite", but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder...
Tracy Letts
Tracy Letts
Tracy Letts is an American playwright and actor who received the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play August: Osage County.-Biography:...
. It was adapted into a film
Bug (2006 film)
Bug is a 2006 American horror/thriller directed by William Friedkin, and starring Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon and Harry Connick, Jr..The film is based on the play of the same name written by Tracy Letts.-Plot:...
in 2006.
Synopsis
Most of the play takes place in a seedy motelMotel
A motor hotel, or motel for short, is a hotel designed for motorists, and usually has a parking area for motor vehicles...
room. Lonely cocktail waitress Agnes lives there, hiding from her violent ex-con ex-husband Jerry Goss. One night, her lesbian
Lesbian
Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an...
biker friend R.C. introduces her to Peter, a Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
veteran who might be AWOL. She gets involved with Peter, who grows increasingly paranoid about the war in Iraq
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
, UFOs, the Oklahoma City bombing
Oklahoma City bombing
The Oklahoma City bombing was a terrorist bomb attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. It was the most destructive act of terrorism on American soil until the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Oklahoma blast claimed 168 lives, including 19...
, cult suicides, and then secret government experiments on soldiers — eventually drawing Agnes into his delusions. The play deals with the issues of love, paranoia, conspiracy theories
Conspiracy theory
A conspiracy theory explains an event as being the result of an alleged plot by a covert group or organization or, more broadly, the idea that important political, social or economic events are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public.-Usage:The term "conspiracy...
, and Agnes' slow descent into insanity
Insanity
Insanity, craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. Insanity may manifest as violations of societal norms, including becoming a danger to themselves and others, though not all such acts are considered insanity...
under Peter's influence.
London premiere
The play originally premiered at the Gate TheatreGate Theatre (London)
The Gate Theatre is a London fringe theatre above the Prince Albert pub in Notting Hill Gate, from which it takes its name. It opened in 1979.-External links:*...
in Notting Hill, London, England on September 20, 1996. The rehearsals were at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
- Shannon CochranShannon CochranShannon Cochran is an American actress. While she has numerous credits to her name, she is particularly recognizable as having played the mysterious Anna Morgan in the popular 2002 film The Ring....
- Agnes White - Michael ShannonMichael Shannon (actor)Michael Corbett Shannon is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Revolutionary Road...
- Peter Evans
American premieres
Following its London run, the play made its U.S. debut at Ithaca, New YorkIthaca, New York
The city of Ithaca, is a city in upstate New York and the county seat of Tompkins County, as well as the largest community in the Ithaca-Tompkins County metropolitan area...
, followed by the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
In Washington, DC, the play underwent a series of revisions and received an American premiere at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in March/April of 2000.
- Director: Wilson Milam
- Deborah Hazlett - Agnes
- Eric Sutton - Peter
- Steve Schmidt- Jerry
- Kate Eastwood Norris - R.C.
- Brian Hemmingsen - Dr. Sweet
The play's Chicago Premiere was at A Red Orchid Theatre, where the play first rehearsed prior to its world premiere in London.
- Opening Date: August 20, 2001
- Closing Date: October 28, 2001
- Director: Dexter Bullard
- Kate Buddeke - Agnes
- Michael ShannonMichael Shannon (actor)Michael Corbett Shannon is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Revolutionary Road...
- Peter - Guy Van Swearingen - Jerry
- Robin WittRobin WittRobin Witt is an American theater director from Chicago, Illinois. She is an artistic associate at both the and Theaters in Chicago. Witt's notable productions include Enda Walsh's The New Electric Ballroom at A Red Orchid Theatre, Simon Stephens' Pornography and Harper Regan at Steep Theatre,...
- R.C. - Troy West - Dr. Sweet
Off-Broadway
- Barrow Street TheatreBarrow Street TheatreBarrow Street Theatre is an Off Broadway theatre venue located in New York City's historic Greenwich House. Previously home to Drama Dept. the space was leased to Barrow Street Theatre in 2003 and has been home to long-running Off-Broadway hits, Bug by Tracy Letts and Orson's Shadow by Austin...
, New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... - Opening Date: February 29, 2004
- Closing Date: January 30, 2005
- Director: Dexter Bullard
- Shannon CochranShannon CochranShannon Cochran is an American actress. While she has numerous credits to her name, she is particularly recognizable as having played the mysterious Anna Morgan in the popular 2002 film The Ring....
- Agnes - Michael ShannonMichael Shannon (actor)Michael Corbett Shannon is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Revolutionary Road...
- Peter - Michael CullenMichael Cullen (actor)Michael Cullen is an American actor who usually works in New York City. He has worked on stage and also has appeared in many films. His most famous stage role is that of baseball legend Ty Cobb. On television, he has many roles to his credit, including three appearances as James Dietz in Law &...
- Jerry - Amy LandeckerAmy Landecker-External links:...
- R.C. - Reed Birney - Dr. Sweet
Amanda Plummer resigned from the Off-Broadway premiere 24 hours before its February 21 start date. A notice in the theater box office warned that the show contained nudity, violence and cigarette smoking.
Australia
The play premiered at The SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross, Sydney, in May 2010, as part of Griffin Theatre CompanyGriffin Theatre Company
Griffin Theatre Company is an Australian theatre specialising in new writing. It is the resident theatre company at the SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia...
's Independent Season 2010, in conjunction with Picture This Productions.
- Opening Date: 12 May 2010
- Closing Date: 5 June 2010
- Director: Anthony Skuse
- Jeanette Cronin - Agnes
- Matthew WalkerMatthew WalkerMatthew Walker may refer to:* Matthew Walker , New Zealand-Australian actor* Matthew Walker * Matthew Walker * Matthew Walker , American actor* Matthew Walker -See also:...
- Peter - Jonny PasvolskyJonny PasvolskyJonathan Marc Pasvolsky known as Jonny Pasvolsky is an Australian actor best known for his role in McLeod's Daughters, which he received a nomination for as "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards of 2006.He starred as Mr...
- Jerry - Catherine Terracini - R.C.
- Laurence Coy - Dr. Sweet
Film adaptation
A film version of the playBug (2006 film)
Bug is a 2006 American horror/thriller directed by William Friedkin, and starring Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon and Harry Connick, Jr..The film is based on the play of the same name written by Tracy Letts.-Plot:...
was released in 2006 from Lionsgate. It was directed by William Friedkin
William Friedkin
William Friedkin is an American film director, producer and screenwriter best known for directing The French Connection in 1971 and The Exorcist in 1973; for the former, he won the Academy Award for Best Director...
, and starred Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd is an American television and film actress, who has played lead roles in films including Ruby in Paradise, Kiss the Girls, Double Jeopardy, Where the Heart Is and High Crimes...
, Harry Connick, Jr and Michael Shannon
Michael Shannon (actor)
Michael Corbett Shannon is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Revolutionary Road...
. Friedkin contacted Tracy Letts after having seen the play, and they cooperated on a screen adaptation. Friedkin described the film as "the most intense piece of work I've ever done". Michael Shannon had played the part on stage. Lionsgate wanted to cast an actor with more name recognition, but Friedkin was determined to have Shannon perform in the film, saying he brought a unique quality to the part.
Awards and nominations
Awards- 2004 Lucille LortelLucille LortelLucille Lortel was an American actress and theater producer who is remembered as the namesake of an off-Broadway playhouse and theatrical award....
Award for Outstanding Play - 2004 Lucille LortelLucille LortelLucille Lortel was an American actress and theater producer who is remembered as the namesake of an off-Broadway playhouse and theatrical award....
Award for Outstanding DIrector, Dexter Bullard - 2004 Lucille LortelLucille LortelLucille Lortel was an American actress and theater producer who is remembered as the namesake of an off-Broadway playhouse and theatrical award....
Award for Outstanding Lighting Design, Tyler Micoleau - 2004 Lucille LortelLucille LortelLucille Lortel was an American actress and theater producer who is remembered as the namesake of an off-Broadway playhouse and theatrical award....
Award for Outstanding Sound Design, Brian Ronan - 2004 Obie AwardObie AwardThe Obie Awards or Off-Broadway Theater Awards are annual awards given by The Village Voice newspaper to theatre artists and groups in New York City...
for Outstanding Performance - The acting company of Bug - Shannon Cochran, Michael ShannonMichael Shannon (actor)Michael Corbett Shannon is an American stage, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Revolutionary Road...
, Michael Cullen, Amy Landecker, Reed Birney - 2003-2004 Obie Award for Outstanding Design team - The design team of Bug - Lauren Helpern (setsSet constructionSet construction is the process by which a set designer works in collaboration with the director of a production to create the set for a theatrical, film or television production...
), Tyler Micoleau (lights), Brian Ronan (soundSoundSound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
), Kim Gill (costumes), Faye Armon (propsTheatrical propertyA theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set...
) - 2004 Theatre World AwardTheatre World AwardThe Theatre World Award, first awarded for the 1945-46 season, is an American honor presented annually to actors and actresses in recognition of an outstanding New York City stage debut performance, either on Broadway or off-Broadway.-History:...
for Shannon Cochran
Nominations
- 2004 Drama Desk AwardDrama Desk AwardThe Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
for Outstanding Actress in a Play - Shannon Cochran - 2004 Drama Desk AwardDrama Desk AwardThe Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
for Outstanding Director of a Play - Dexter Bullard - 2004 Drama Desk AwardDrama Desk AwardThe Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
for Outstanding Sound Designer - Brian Ronan