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Aphra Behn’s comedy gets a Jetsons-inspired staging in Lawrence, with a November 4 panel and post-show conversation offering another way into the production.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
In Aphra Behn’s The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce, characters compete for affection on Earth while looking toward the moon. KU doctoral student Gillian Genardo has edited and directed the Restoration comedy for a six-performance run at the William Inge Memorial Theatre, October 30 through November 5, 2026.
Behn’s farce draws on Italian commedia dell’arte, while this production’s visual approach looks to midcentury-modern architecture and the futuristic style of The Jetsons. KU Theatre describes the play as combining science fiction with comedy about social and economic life.
Jordan Malone is the scenic designer and Katie Cooley is the costume designer. The creative team also includes lighting designer Laney Jasper, sound designer Abigail Dearing and dramaturg Cecelia Hart.
Further reading: The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
The November 4 performance is the choice for anyone who wants to hear more from the people around the play. A 6 p.m. panel in Murphy Hall, Room 341, brings together theater professor Jane Barnette and English professors Misty Schieberle and Sarah Van der Laan. Hart moderates; the director and performers will take questions after the show in the Inge Theatre.
A separate display in the exhibition hallway leading to the theater introduces Behn and the history of women writing science fiction. Unlike the panel and talkback, the display is not described as a November 4-only event.
Further reading: The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
The run includes five evening performances and a Sunday matinee. The panel and post-show talkback take place on November 4 only.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for KU faculty and staff and senior citizens, and $10 for children and KU students. Buy online, at the University Theatre Box Office in Murphy Hall, or by calling 785-864-3982.
For online orders, KU Theatre advises using the correct billing address and checking for an email confirmation.
The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
There is no late seating and seats are not reserved. If a performance sells out, an in-person waiting list starts one hour before curtain for seats that may become available.
The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Food is not allowed in the Inge Theatre; bottled and lidded drinks are permitted.
Inge Theatre | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
The William Inge Memorial Theatre is inside Murphy Hall, 1530 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045. Map links can calculate directions from your starting point.
KU Theatre says Lot 54, west of Murphy Hall, is generally free and does not require a permit on evenings or weekends, though it can fill on weekday nights. The Allen Fieldhouse garage is a paid alternative. Home football and basketball games can bring campus parking restrictions, so check current parking information before traveling.
The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Parking | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Patrons who use wheelchairs or need other seating accommodations can contact the University Theatre Box Office at 785-864-3982 to make arrangements.
The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Yes. The Sunday, November 1 performance begins at 2 p.m.; the other five performances begin at 7 p.m.
The Emperor of the Moon: A Farce - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
No. Seating for this production is unreserved. Contact the box office if you need a specific seating accommodation.
The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Late arrivals cannot be seated for this production.
The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
KU Theatre starts an in-person waiting list one hour before curtain for any seats that become available. Contact the box office for details.
The Emperor of the Moon | University TheatreUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
1530 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-30 against the linked sources.