Cal Poly's Theatre & Dance Department explores the urgency of environmental action through the lens of "Somewhere, A Primer for the End of Days" a play set in post-apocalyptic times.

"Somewhere" takes place after the collapse of civilization in 1991, where people grapple with the challenge of moving on from the past or preparing for the future. Survivors of this prolonged natural and humanitarian catastrophe converge in the West Coast forests, navigating challenges such as a tree root blight and the disappearance of insects. Yet, Cassandra (Niah Pratt), an etymologist, and her engineer brother Alexander (Eric Monjoy) find hope in the annual migration of Monarch butterflies. Their optimism inspires others, prompting a question: will we undergo a metamorphosis like the butterfly, or are we heading towards our demise?

Despite the potential for post-apocalyptic stories to remain fictional, Cassandra's warning reminds us of the pressing need to avert environmental catastrophe in our timeline.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on May 11-14 and 18-20.