Plays Pandemical in Prague
Let the Darkness In is part of 2021 Prague Fringe Prologue
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught me so many things. But perhaps the greatest lesson is that it’s better to try and do something than simply hunker down.
Figuring out how to make art in a safe and socially distant way was an adventure that I will treasure always. And writing and producing the Plays Pandemical series was a way to rediscover that what we do as theatre and film artists is a living thing that survives quarantines and lockdowns. One still can make some noise in the silence.
That’s why I am beyond proud that one of the Plays Pandemical (Let The Darkness In) has been selected as part of Prague Fringe Prologue – a virtual festival running from Friday May 28 through Saturday June 5.
The U.S. election of 2020 and the swearing-in of President Joe Biden’s administration has eliminated some of the most flagrant attempts by political appointees to censor, repress and spin science at the CDC and other federal agencies. But controversy over public health policies still swirl around that agency and others that have the task of protecting citizens.
So I believe the message of Let The Darkness In is as relevant as ever. Not simply because this pandemic has laid bare the politics that continue to inform – and, in the worst case, deform – our responses to public health crises. But also that this monologue is a stark reminder that an American Lysenkoism did emerge and have pernicious effects on our lives. Right before our eyes. In 2020. And that this menace to our society could return again.
Let the Darkness In features an amazing performance by Theatre East associate artistic director Christa Kimlicko Jones. It was directed by Andrew Bellware of Pandora Machine Films and produced by Laura Schlachtmeyer in a coproduction by 920 Productions and Pandora Machine.
Our plays have been free to watch during the pandemic, so I’m asking you to support this our work and the Prague Fringe by watching Let the Darkness In on the festival channel between May 28 and June 5. The festival says:
All shows are available to stream from 6pm CET on 28th May until midnight CET on 5th June. No log-in is required, but we would request viewers to purchase a Prague Fringe Prologue Access Pass to support the artists.
100% of the income generated from the sale of Access Passes will be paid directly to the artists - divided equally among the 15 shows in the programme.
The suggested price is 500 Kc (approx. €20). We know that this might be difficult for some, so we are also offering reduced ticket price options. Please pay what you can and help to support the artists who have been some of the hardest hit over the past 18 months. One payment for access to all shows.
Links to purchase the Access Pass and details of how to watch will be available within each show listing by 28th May.
Prague is a special city for me. I lived there for a year in 1991-92, and have returned many times since. A one-act version of my play, Burn Your Bookes, won first prize in The Prague Post Playwriting Festival in in March 2007 and received five performances at the Divadlo Minor in New Town.
I’d love to see Let The Darkness In be a success in the festival. Please watch our play at this link if you can.
And be well and be brave in these chaotic and changing times.