Director's Notes
Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer continues in the Western cannon as a poignant, yet escapist example of modern British Farce. However, like most comedies, the truth lies deeper below the surface. It is once we are plunged into darkness, that truths come to light. We see insecurities and expectations on full display in the dark in Shaffer’s Black Comedy.
In darkness, we expose our most sensitive vulnerabilities: desperation to please our significant other’s family, a need to assert status through Westernized ideas of “fine” or “high” art, the need to protect our loved ones, or our fumbles at human connection.
Typically, this production is staged indoors with stairs and a full lighting system. Much like the characters you will meet in this story, we have had to get creative and adapt to our current circumstances. Due to COVID, we have taken every precaution to keep our actors, production team, and our patrons safe. We are one of the few theatres in the country who is lucky to be able to put on live performances, and we are so pleased you have joined us in the great outdoors as we find new ways of making theatre.
- Ashley Love
