November 5-7, 2026

Simple technology transports us to outer space, where we take a look at our not-so-simple relationship with time and truth. 73 Seconds refers to the length of the Challenger’s failed and tragic space flight.

Created, written, and performed by Jared Mezzocchi
Directed and co-developed by Aya Ogawa
An En Garde Arts Production

Obie Award winner and “multi-media whiz” (New York Times) Jared Mezzocchi tells the story of his mother’s relationship to NASA and outer space while asking us to think about the passage of time, parent-child relationships, and holding competing truths. Using the simplest tools—a VCR camera from the 1980s, an overhead projector, and a pull-down screen—he transports audiences from a diner into outer space, while he seamlessly transitions from playing his mother, his father, his aunt, and of course, himself.  

Jared Mezzocchi is visiting through the Hope Abelson Artist-in-Residence Program, which was established at the School of Communication in 1990 through a generous gift from Hope Altman Abelson.

Approximate run time: 70 minutes, no intermission
Suggested ages: 14+

A Note on Sensitive Content is available for this production.