In a Dark, Dark House, which debuts April 9 at Neely Auditorium at Vanderbilt University, two estranged brothers are reunited on the grounds of a private psychiatric facility, resulting in painful confessions and revelations of long-held secrets.
Neil LaBute’s edgy, yet absorbing, autobiographical tragicomedy examines the destructive effects of dysfunctional family units and violence.
“True to LaBute’s uniquely intriguing style, his play deals with this delicate and potentially explosive subject matter in an emotionally riveting and often darkly comic fashion,” says the play’s director, Jon Hallquist, associate professor of theatre. “For those of us who have experienced similar pain and emotional scarring, his play offers comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our current state of upheaval. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to benefit from a nurturing, loving household, the play hopefully encourages a new awareness and compassion for our less fortunate fellow human beings.”
In a Dark, Dark House will be performed at 8 p.m. on April 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 and at 2 p.m. on April 11. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for graduate and professional students and free for undergraduates with Vanderbilt identification. Tickets may be reserved by calling (615) 322-2404.
For more information about the 2009-2010 Vanderbilt Theatre season, visit http://vanderbilt.edu/theatre/currentseason.
Media contact: Missy Pankake, (615) 322-NEWS
missy.pankake@vanderbilt.edu