LUNGS: an intimate and unflinching exploration of love, responsibility and the environmental impact of our choices opens May 7th at Tipping Point Theatre

Tipping Point Theatre’s (TPT) 17th season closes with Duncan MacMillan’s Lungs, with performances beginning May 7th, running through June 1st. This smart, funny, thought-provoking play explores the lifecycle of a relationship with all the hope, betrayal, pain and humor that exemplifies our modern-day love. “Duncan Macmillan’s distinctive, off-kilter love story is brutally honest, funny, edgy and current. It gives voice to a generation for whom uncertainty is a way of life” (The Guardian).

A raw and intimate exploration of love, climate change, and the complexities of modern relationships, Lungs centers around a couple grappling with the decision to have a child in a world fraught with environmental and ethical dilemmas. Presented as a continuous dialogue, the narrative unfolds in real-time, creating an intensely immersive experience for theatergoers.

The couple's conversation begins with a seemingly simple question: Should they bring a child into a world facing climate catastrophe? As they delve into this question, their discussion expands to include their fears, dreams, and the deeper issues that underpin their relationship, delivered by writing that is sharp, often humorous, and brutally honest, capturing the neurotic energy of two people trying to make sense of their lives and the world around them.

“I read this play about 10 years ago and knew I wanted to direct it. So, it went in the back pocket for the right moment to emerge” states the production’s Director, and TPT Artistic Director, Julia Glander. “Although I’ve never seen another production of Lungs, I became a fan of Macmillan’s other work as well - Every Brilliant Thing, and 1984. Now the time has come for Lungs to take its first breath at Tipping Point Theatre. It is a small play with only two actors, but feels massive in its ability to bring every emotion to the surface. A young couple tries to navigate the struggles in their relationship while deciding whether to bring a baby into a world that is telling them not to - because of climate change, social unrest, and the uncertainty in our everyday world. It’s the voice of the Millennial generation, but its universal truth will touch everyone. It is fast paced, very funny, and explores time, space and rhythm within a unique structure. You get to eavesdrop on an impulsive, uncensored, heart-centered 30-year conversation. It’s a rollercoaster experience; buckle up and breathe!”

The play's pacing and focus emphasize the emotional immediacy and universality of its themes. Lungs challenges audiences to confront the moral implications of their personal decisions, while also portraying the tender and tumultuous journey of two individuals striving to connect in a complex world; a truly moving and thought-provoking meditation on love, responsibility and the fragile balance of existence.

TPT’s production of vibrant, culturally-significant, captivating theatrical offerings rank among some of the best professional performances offered in the state of Michigan.

LUNGS CAST

Connor Allston

Kristen Shields

Cellist: Laurie Jarski

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Lungs are available for purchase by visiting www.tippingpointtheatre.com, or by calling the Ticket Office at 248.347.0003. Discounts for seniors (62 and over), military and students are available at the Box Office window located inside Tipping Point Theatre at 361 East Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167. Discounts for groups of 10+ are available for purchase by calling the Box Office at 248.347.0003 or at the Ticket Office window.

ABOUT DUNCAN MACMILLAN (PLAYWRIGHT)

Duncan Macmillan is an acclaimed English playwright and director, celebrated for his thought-provoking works that delve into contemporary socio-political issues. Born in the 1980s, Macmillan first gained recognition through the Bruntwood Playwriting Competition at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, where his play Monster won two awards in its inaugural year.

Macmillan's plays often explore themes of human resilience and vulnerability. His notable works include Lungs, a poignant exploration of parenthood and environmental concerns; People, Places and Things, a harrowing portrayal of addiction and recovery; and Every Brilliant Thing, an interactive monologue addressing mental health and suicidality. His adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, co-directed with Robert Icke, received widespread acclaim and toured internationally. His works have been performed globally, earning accolades such as the Off West End Award for Best New Play for Lungs and nominations for Olivier Awards. His collaboration with HBO brought Every Brilliant Thing to a wider audience, further cementing his reputation as a playwright who combines emotional depth with innovative storytelling.

Beyond the stage, Macmillan co-created the BBC television drama series Trigonometry and has worked on various international productions. His ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences has made him a significant figure in contemporary theater. Macmillan continues to challenge and inspire through his compelling exploration of the human condition.

ABOUT TIPPING POINT THEATRE 

Tipping Point Theatre (TPT) celebrates live theatre by producing a wide range of vibrant, diverse, thought-provoking programming, promoting local and upcoming artists, and providing arts educational outreach to the Northville community and southeast Michigan. Incorporated as a professional, non-profit 501(c)3 organization in the state of Michigan, TPT opened its doors in 2007 and operates under the direction of local artist Julia Glander, and is led by Board Presidents Nannette Ret and Heather Bell. TPT produces five main stage productions in a typical season in addition to special events and community education and outreach efforts, and operates out of its own 140-seat theatre in the heart of downtown Northville, MI. TPT is the recipient of over 35 regional theatre award nominations (with twelve wins), and is a regular recipient of support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Shubert Foundation.