North Central College Department of Theatre Presents ‘Everybody Thrashing’

Step back into the eerie and enigmatic atmosphere of the 16th century with North Central College’s Department of Theatre as they present ‘Everybody Thrashing,’ an original, devised theatrical production that dives into one of history’s most fascinating mysteries: the Dancing Plague of 1518. Set in the summer of Strasbourg, the story begins with a single woman who steps out into the street and starts to dance. She doesn’t stop. Within days, dozens join her; within two months, nearly 400 people are swept into a rhythmic, unstoppable fervor. This production explores the chilling historical fact that roughly a quarter of these dancers would continue until they succumbed to exhaustion, stroke, or heart attack. Directed and devised by Jeremy Ohringer and Amelia Hefferon, this new play with music incorporates original text, Medieval writings, and moments created through the collaborative work of the student ensemble.

‘Everybody Thrashing’ is not merely a historical reenactment; it is a profound exploration of group hysteria and the thin line between madness and exaltation. By weaving together historical accounts with contemporary devised movements, the production examines how group fervor manifests in both the past and the present. Why do we follow the crowd? What happens when a shared impulse becomes a fatal obsession? The performers use the intimate setting of the Madden Theatre to bring the audience into the center of this contagion, creating a visceral experience that blends the academic rigor of history with the raw power of physical theatre.

As a devised piece, the show represents the pinnacle of North Central College’s commitment to student-led creative development. The cast and crew have spent months researching the sociopolitical environment of 1518—a time of famine, superstition, and immense social stress—to understand the triggers of such a unique event. They then translated these findings into a modern theatrical language, ensuring that the ‘Dancing Plague’ resonates with today’s audiences who witness their own forms of social contagion and group dynamics. The inclusion of music further elevates the piece, providing a rhythmic heartbeat that drives the action forward and underscores the relentless nature of the dance.

Located within the Fine Arts Center at 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville, the Madden Theatre provides a ‘black box’ environment that allows for flexible staging and a deep connection between the performers and the audience. This intimacy is crucial for a production that deals with the concept of ‘catching’ an emotion or a movement. Spectators should be prepared for a thought-provoking evening that includes mature themes and language, as the play does not shy away from the darker aspects of human psychology and the physical toll of the plague. Tickets are priced at $14, making this professional-quality college production accessible to the Naperville community and theater enthusiasts from across the Chicago area. Whether you are a fan of historical mysteries, avant-garde theatre, or social psychology, ‘Everybody Thrashing’ promises to be an unforgettable performance that challenges the mind and moves the spirit. Join us for this limited run from February 19 to February 22, 2026, and witness the power of a movement that refuses to be silenced.