Based on Mikhail Bulgakov’s banned novel, "The Master and Margarita," the story centers on Satan in the guise of Professor Woland, a mysterious magician, who arrives with his demonic retinue to wreak havoc and expose corrupt social climbers, bureaucrats and profiteers.

Amid this chaos, the master, an idealistic author working on a novel about Pontius Pilate and Jesus, falls in love with Margarita, a woman looking to escape the restrictions of high society. After the master’s novel is rejected by state censorship and he is detained in an asylum, Margarita embarks on a journey through heaven and hell to save him and his manuscript. 

The concept for this new musical retelling is inspired by Bulgakov’s own history of censorship and repression under Stalinist times, and by the courageous resistance of radical artists and rock musicians like Pussy Riot. In our version, Woland and his demonic retinue are a band of dissident rock musicians in a totalitarian state on the eve of a dangerous performance that may cost them everything. 

“As a team, we all feel that the subject matter of the musical is important and that it will be a show that is highly entertaining but also poignant and timely,” said Abigail Copeland, associate teaching professor of theatre and director of the theater program. "We also feel that working on a new project is especially beneficial since you really have to be resilient, emotionally intelligent, and a good collaborator to work on a show that is still evolving even as you are in rehearsal.”

Quinnipiac students will have the opportunity to work closely with the creators of the piece and help to form from the script into a fully realized production, said Copeland.

“When working with a new script, the actors will influence the decisions of the playwright, composers, lyricists, designers and director, whereas with an established script, many of these things are already predetermined or unchangeable," Copeland said.

“It truly is a unique opportunity to be a part of a creative, generative, and collaborative project that will have a life beyond this production,” Copeland added. 

"Professor Woland’s Black Magic Show" will be presented at the Quinnipiac Theatre Arts Center beginning on Friday, October 25.