Sopris Theatre Company at CMC presents ‘Natural Shocks’ at Rifle's Ute Theater May 31

RIFLE — The award-winning Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College will present a one-night encore performance of "Natural Shocks" by playwright Lauren Gunderson.

The curtain rises at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 31, at the Ute Theater in Rifle.

The story follows Angela who is forced into her basement when she finds herself in the path of a fierce tornado — but the real crisis brews within. Along the way, she unravels a deeply personal story, confronting a lifetime of trauma with biting wit, vulnerability and raw honesty.

"Natural Shocks” is described on playwright Gunderson's website as a "powerful, shocking, funny, solo play," and "a 60-minute, one-woman tour-de-force ...”.

With themes of abuse and violence in the play, a review by the DC Metro Theater Arts said “Gunderson’s 'Natural Shocks' raises important points about the need to take action in times of crises.”

The company performed "Natural Shocks" around the state last year, including at the Colorado Theatre Festival, where it earned several awards including Bostyn Elswick receiving the Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role; Sopris Theatre’s artistic producer Brad Moore receiving Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design; and the company receiving an award honoring a its teamwork, communication prowess and technical abilities.

Potential playgoers should be aware "Natural Shocks" deals with domestic abuse and gun violence and may be difficult material for some audiences.

The Ute Theater is at 132 E. Fourth St. in Rifle, 970-664-6560.

The Rifle performance is made possible by a City of Aspen Arts and Culture grant and associate producers Kelly and Jim Cleaver, and Baylie Persson. For tickets and more information, visit the Ute Theater.