In the old days, a Medicine Show meant wonder, laughter, shenanigans, and a bit of magic. The show came to town in a horse-drawn wagon and a crowd gathered immediately. After the performance, the cast peddled medicines or other nostrums. Dr. Atomic’s Medicine Show updates this American tradition by poking fun at The System. The “medicine” peddled by this roguish group is a message of peace, justice and environmental sustainability. Using raucous skits, original music, and a vaudevillian style, Dr. Atomic educates while they entertain. You will laugh at the absurdity, even as you shake your head at the show’s accurate reflection of reality.
History
In 1974 a group of activists associated with the Movement for a New Society in Eugene, OR decided to focus on stopping the construction of new nuclear power plants in Oregon. At that time, there was one under construction and 7 others planned. Their first action was to create a traveling show to dramatize the issue and disseminate informational material about it. They called the project Dr. Atomic’s Medicine Show and Lending Library. They performed in every community where a nuclear power plant was planned. None of those plants was ever completed.
The original show was a half-hour melodrama depicting what happened when “Cool Hand Nuke” came to town. Over time, the format changed, other issues were included, cast members came and went and “and Lending Library” was dropped from the group’s name. Sometimes the show was mostly drama with a bit of music. At other times, it was mostly music with a bit of drama. Sometimes it was a blend of both.
Last year (2024), Dr. Atomic’s Medicine Show celebrated 50 years of continuous performance.