June 6 - 29, 2025
Showtimes are
Fridays 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays 2pm
Tickets: $30 general*
$25 for 65 and over
$15 for students with ID
*Early Bird discount $5 off all tickets thru 6/6.
Fri, June 6 at 8:00 pm. Opening Night, Press weekend
Sat, June 7 at 3pm and 8:00 pm Student Night, Press weekend
Sun, June 8 at 2:00 pm Press weekend
Fri, June 13 at 8:00 pm Industry Night, OLLI Night
Sat, June 14 at 3pm and 8:00 pm Audience Masks Required
Sun, June 15 at 2:00 pm
Fri, June 20 at 8:00 pm
Sat, June 21 at 3p.m. and 8:00 pm
Sun, June 22 at 2:00 pm
Fri, June 27 at 8pm
Sat, June 28 at 3pm and 8pm
Sun, June 29 at 2pm Closing Night
Theatre NOVA presents:
Jorge Luis Borges
Gives a Lecture on Anatomy
by Carla Milarch
Musical Score by Michael Riccinto
WORLD PREMIERE
June 6-June 29, 2025
I was a young man when I fell into the dream…
In a magical reality, inside a labyrinth, the famed Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges gives a lecture. At first, it seems to be about anatomy, but that notion quickly gives way as he navigates multiple timelines and universes, in search of the loves of his life. Inspired by Borges’ short stories, and featuring his poetry set to music, this dreamlike play takes us into the fantastical world of one of literature’s most outrageous imaginations.
The cast features Maggie Hilliard, Jonathan Jones, Katherine Lengyel, *Phil Powers, Lauren Routledge and Leif TenBrink. Helmed by Kat Walsh (director), the production team includes Nate Doud (set), Jeff Alder (lights), Mary Perrin (costumes), Shelby Seeley (props), and Elise Blochwitz (stage manager).
*Member Actors' Equity Association
View Our Digital Program
Click here for fullscreen
Photos by Sean Carter Photography
REVIEWS FOR
Jorge Luis Borges Gives a Lecture on Anatomy
What Reviewers Are Saying:
"Given the boisterous, life-embracing version of Borges that appears on Theatre Nova’s stage, courtesy of actor Phil Powers, I think it likely that the author himself would approve of me tiptoeing into his literary imagination by way of Milarch’s play.
"Lecture is a trippy vibe of a ride, which shouldn’t surprise those who have read Borges.
"Lecture is fanciful and strange, and it doesn’t have a dramatic question driving it forward... What it does have is an all-in, charismatic charm machine of a performer at its center (Powers), and atmospheric tech elements that work gorgeously in concert with each other. Jeff Alder’s textured lighting design paints Nate Doud’s versatile set in darkly cool, dreamy hues; and costume designer Mary Perrin’s work shines brightest when creatively dressing the show’s nonhuman characters (Lengyel’s fly, Routledge’s bird, and the cloaked, whiskered creatures in the second act, to name just three examples).
"Like Borges’ dream-formed son in the play’s first act, you, too, will feel like you’re wandering through a maze while attending this Lecture."
--Jenn McKee, Theatre Critic for PULP Magazine (Read the full review here)
What Audiences Are Saying:
"This performance was an all time show-stopper. Phil Powers must be recognized nationally! The 5 "support" actors were also very impressive. This play was one of the best I've seen anywhere. The seats should have all been filled. Somehow, the "word" needs to get out to the public about the quality and entertainment value of this play."
"Mesmerizing set, lighting, decor, along with the music from the performers. Interesting costuming, well done acting! Very thought-provoking."
"Excellent acting and well written."
"What a piece of playwriting!"
"That was terrific!"
"You're part of it. Its nice in this small theater."
"The music was incredible."
"I loved it, very well done by the entire cast. Intense and passionate, kept me engaged, some in the audience cried and the music blended nicely with the story and set. The intimacy of the theater led a a great connection of the play itself. Loved it!"
"It should go to New York!"
"It's going to stay with me."