Larry Jay Tish and Michael Dwyer will host “Be Seriously Scared,” a dynamic, interactive experience that blends performance art, game show fun, a thought-provoking lecture, and a captivating film screening—all aimed at exploring the horror and danger of nuclear weapons and nuclear war.

As the audience arrives, they are met by two figures in bright yellow hazmat suits, gas masks, and wielding a clicking Geiger counter. Each attendee is handed a FEMA flyer with grim instructions on what to do in the event of a nuclear war, setting the tone for an unforgettable and unsettling experience. As the audience takes their seats, the haunting soundtrack from the Chernobyl TV series echoes through the space, enveloping them in an eerie atmosphere.

Kicking off the program is an interactive and entertaining game show, “NO Your NUKES,” hosted by the charismatic U.R. Fried! Students will engage in a lively exploration of the global scope and history of nuclear weapons, learning about these heinous tools of destruction engagingly. Adding to the excitement are the prizes awarded to every participant, ensuring a fun and memorable experience.

“NO Your NUKES” segues into the tragic history of the Japanese fishing boat The Lucky Dragon No. 5, whose crew was exposed to deadly radioactive fallout from the United States’ Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test near the Marshall Islands. Larry recounts the ill-fated voyage of the ironically named Lucky Dragon and the devastating impact on hundreds of other fishing boats, their crews, and the contaminated catch that was poisoned that fateful day.

Michael then introduces his award-winning short documentary Appreciation: The Tomiko Morimoto West Story, which tells the powerful story of a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor. Through her inspiring narrative, Tomiko shares her journey of resilience and triumph in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Following the film screening, the presenters host a Q&A session, offering the audience a chance to engage and reflect on the powerful stories shared. To close the program, the significance of origami cranes is explained—how they have come to symbolize peace and the global effort to create a world free of nuclear weapons. Each participant is given a paper crane as a token of gratitude for their attendance and is encouraged to take action in the movement to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Presented by

• Larry Jay Tish, Film producer, writer, and performer - Piece of Tish Work
• Michael Dwyer, Documentary filmmaker, and artist - Appreciation Film

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science.