Bi Jean Ngo & Justin Jain
InterAct Theatre Company, housed in the Proscenium Theatre at the Drake, 302 Hicks Street, is presenting the world premiere of The Quixotic Professor Qiu through February 23, 2025. Though a satire, this work is based on several actual occurrences. Professor Qiu, (Justin Jain) a mathematician, has received a small grant toward his research in prime numbers from a Chinese institute through the auspices of his childhood friend Bi Jean Ngo). Valeria. his teaching assistant, (Madeline Garcia), reading more into a dinner than a casual date with the Professor, feels spurned and turns to the FBI with wild conspiracy theories which the FBI are thrilled to embrace. The professor embarks on a trip to China to plead with his friend to clear his name. What he discovers gob smacks him. The acting in this ensemble cast is mesmerizing. David Pica and Tamir Periasamy play multiple roles. The lighting changes orchestrated by lighting designer Lindsay Alayne Stevens are phenomenal. Following the Saturday matinees there will be discussions with cast members on the themes of the play. On February 8 , Actors Bi Jean Ngo and Madeline Garcia will be in the discussions. On February 15, Tamir Periasamy will be participating and on February 21 Playwright Damon Chua will be in the discussion. Sunday matinees will have professionals in the after-performance discussions. On Sunday, February 9, Carol Rollie Flynn, a 30- year veteran of the CIA and consultant for the Homeland TV show will participate . On February 16, Jacques de Lisles, Professor of Chinese Law, and Politics at UPenn, and on February 23, Xiaoxing Xi, Professor of Physics who was falsely painted as a spy from China by the FBI will lead the discussions. For more information or tickets to this fascinating premiere. Visit www.interacttheatre.org.
