Four people argue in the play God of Carnage

The Ohio State University at Lima Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts invites audiences to witness a hilarious and biting descent into chaos with its upcoming production of Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play, God of Carnage (translated by Christopher Hampton).

Opening April 9, 2026, in Stage II in Reed Hall, this dark comedy explores what happens when "civilized" adults let their polite masks slip.

A playground scuffle between two kids serves as the catalyst for a total breakdown of adult decorum when their parents meet to discuss the quarrel in a civilized manner. What begins as a polite afternoon meeting between the two couples quickly dissolves into a savage free-for-all. The play is full of jokes and laughter and prompts us to reflect on our behavior in challenging circumstances. 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9; 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 10; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11; and 2 p.m., Sunday, April 12. 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased using credit/debit cards only at the box office beginning one hour before the performance. God of Carnage contains adult language and content.

Cast

Veronica: Ainsley Brinkman, junior in psychology of Elida

Michael: Gage Hipsher, sophomore in human resources of Lima

Annette: Torca Welty of Lima

Alan: Charley Cheeseman-Armey, senior in theatre of Lima

Creative team

Director: Maria Ignatieva, PhD

Set/Lighting Design and Technical Director: Christopher Jones, MFA, PhD candidate

Costume Designers/Coordinators: Maria Ignatieva, Margie Anich, Charley Cheeseman-Armey, and José Jones

Choreographer: Ainsley Brinkman

 Crew and front of the house

Assistant Director: José Jones, senior in theatre of Erie, Michigan

Stage Manager: Kaylee Key, sophomore in social work of Lima

Sound Operator: Chase Hipsher, sophomore in business of Lima

Light Operator: Luke Miller           

The Hamster Assistant: Jules Hites

Box Office Manager: Margie Anich

God of Carnage was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, The Weinstein Company, and The Shubert Organization.