2011 Edinburgh Fringe

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For esteemed Harvard professor Dr. Apple, giving an introductory neuroscience lecture is a no-brainer. But when an un-expected batch of cookies appears in his lecture hall, he assumes they are a gift and tries one... As his students, we observe his unexpected descent into the subconscious world of tricksters, shamans and dropouts. Does Dr. Apple understand his brain enough to regain control or will he succumb to the mind-altering powers of a psychedelic cookie?

Making its world-wide debut at this years Edinburgh Festival, Dr Apple's Last Lecture is a highly physical comedy exploring consciousness expansion and psychedelic history. In the light of our 21st century understanding of neuroscience, it asks "how are you supposed to free your mind without losing it?" Inspired by the lives of Timothy Leary, the historic Harvard professor turned LSD high priest and Jill Bolte Taylor, the present day neuroscientist who gained insight into her mind by observing a stroke from the inside. The show is a journey into the mind of a mind expert, grappling with his own mental mutiny. Featuring a cast of talented young actors, mind blowing music, dance and sweet treats, Dr Apple's Last Lecture will force you to re-evaluate how your brain processes the world.

Dr Apple is produced by Ines Wurth and Hole In The Sky and written & directed by Carly Hoogendyk. HITS is a company of American theatre artists in New York. Past projects include a roof-top performance of The Planet Of The Seagull, a post-apocalyptic adaptation of Chekhov's classic, and a portable variety show called Cirque des Batards featuring comedy, acrobatics, reverse burlesque and clown acts.

Having met and performed together over the course of eight years at Columbia University and Julliard they formed out of a shared desire to craft impeccable performances that remind audiences why theatre has the ability to constantly reawaken curiosity and revivalist minds. Their mission is to created exuberant and insightful theatre that inspires curiosity about the world.

Carly Hoogendyk - Director / writer - The creative force behind the company, Carly's passion and ability to combine science and art to form meaningful stories has defined the mission of her company. Carly is a graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Neuroscience and Creative Writing. She has worked with SITI Company, New Dramatics & the Public Theatre in New York.

Colin Drummond - producer - As an actor he previously he appeared in Sorn in Planet Of The Seagull and as half of the comedy duo Null & Void in Cirque Des Batards.

Mark Junek - Dr Apple - a formidable talent in his last year at Julliard School of Drama, Mark is an immensely powerful presence on stage captivating audiences with his physicality and deep understanding of character.

Eva Peskin - Snook - a graduate of Barnard College she recently created and starred in Band Practice as part of Spring 2011 Incubator Arts Project. She previously appeared as Nina in Planet of The Seagull.

Stephanie Lane - Lemon - A graduate of Columbia Uni she performs dance and theatre in New York and teaches in Brookyn. She dances for Jenny Rocha in Rocha Dance Theatre and for choreographers Ani Havian. She has performed her solo show, The Dinner Scene, in Manhattan and Shanghai.

Patrick Barrett - Cook - a graduate of Columbia Uni - he has had key roles in Planet Of The Seagull & Cirque Des Batards and has written and performed in his own play Follow Me Down at the Aporia Theatre.