Merlin

UMBC Theatre presents Merlin by Susan McCully, directed by Eve Muson. During a catastrophic storm surge in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a mutual-aid collective coordinates emergency shelter operations while a woman searches desperately for her missing dog, Merlin. Inside a media studio used as an emergency coordination center, activists navigate tensions surrounding privilege, leadership, and collective responsibility while organizing shelter for hundreds of displaced residents. Meanwhile, Merlin undergoes a surreal evolutionary transformation — from dog to otter to fish to microalgae — symbolizing ecological interdependence and adaptation. As the storm intensifies, the characters confront the limits of individual heroism and the necessity of collective action. The play ultimately imagines survival through networks of cooperation and mutual aid rather than domination or escape.

Performances

Thursday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. — Opening Night Reception
Friday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. — Free performance for UMBC students
Saturday, April 3, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m. — Free performance for UMBC students, Prospective Student Day, Actor Talkback

Ticket information is forthcoming.

ASL Interpreted performances are TBA. If you have requests around accessibility for any of our performances, please email the UMBC arts box office.

UMBC Theatre events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

Graphic design by Eric Abele.

This event is supported in part by the Arts+ initiative.