UPDATE: The address for True North Homeschool has been corrected in the article below.
By STU CLAMPITT
news@readthereporter.com
One community theater is ready to gaslight you this weekend. The Attic Theatre is staging Patrick Hamilton’s play, Gaslight, Oct. 26 to 28 at True North Homeschool, 500 North St., Arcadia. The Reporter spoke to Director Bethany Worrell about this 1938 thriller that has become a household word.
“Gaslight was originally written by Patrick Hamilton around the 1930s, and it’s really what sparked this cultural phenomenon of gaslighting individuals,” Worrell said. “It came from this play where a man is slowly driving his wife insane in order to cover up a past crime as well as make profit from the past crime.”
According to the Attic Theatre, Gaslight is the story of the Manninghams, who live on Angel Street in 19th century London. As the curtain rises, all appears to be the essence of Victorian tranquility. It is soon apparent, however, that Mr. Manningham, a suavely handsome man, is slowly driving his gentle, devoted wife, Bella, to the brink of insanity with an insinuating kindness that masks more sinister motives.
One of the reasons Worrell chose this play is because the term gaslighting is back in the public consciousness.
“The term and the phenomenon are so prevalent in today’s society that we thought we could really capitalize on it and bring light to the historical implications,” Worrel said.
Worrell said she has always enjoyed mysteries. This show offers the opportunity to present one with a small cast that has had an impact on nearly a century of other mysteries.
“It’s a highly influential mystery,” Worrell said. “Once you watch it, you will see themes of it in every other mystery you watch. It was really profound in its time, and it’s still leaving impressions today.”
Worell said she likes working with a small cast, five in this case, so she can focus on deeper character development and bring the human part of the story to life.
“I wanted that challenge for myself and the actors, and I can proudly say they’ve completely risen to the challenge and are phenomenal performers,” Worrell said.
Worrell credits her assistance director and partner on the production side, Jen Luczywo, with all her help behind the scenes getting this show ready for audience.
The address for True North is 500 North St., Arcadia, IN 46030. The address in the article and ticket section is incorrect. Tickets are available at the door and our website.