Molotov Theatre Group, Washington DC’s only Grand Guignol theatre company, has announced its 2013/2014 season, which includes Extremities, Normal, and Killer Joe, and is issuing a call for directors for two of the shows.
“It is a season of plays that have inspired some rather twisted movies,” said Co-Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich. “Generally, Molotov’s audience members are not typical DC theatre-goers.They’re usually more interested in film or other forms of creative expression than theatre. We are bringing provocative scripts to the stage that will resonate with this group.”
“Our reputation was built on dark horror and suspense,” said Co-Artistic Director Michael Wright, who will direct Killer Joe. “As we continue an exploration of the human monster we want directors that embrace the Molotov style while also bringing a unique perspective to the work.”
Following is a synopsis of the season’s plays:
Extremities, by William Mastrosimone (October 10, 2013 – November 3, 2014)
An intense depiction of a violent attempted sexual attack where in the aftermath the victim turns the tables on her attacker. Made into a motion picture in 1986, Extremities earned Farrah Fawcett a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actress in a Film Drama.”
Normal, by Anthony Neilson (February 27, 2014 – March 23, 2014)
A controversial, unflinching, yet often morbidly funny exploration of the mind of Peter Kurten, the notorious Dusseldorf Ripper, who is on trial for multiple macabre murders. A movie version of this brutal play by one of the leading lights of England’s “In Yer Face” movement was released in 2009 in the Czech Republic as Angels Gone. Many have speculated that Fritz Lang’s M. was also based on Kurten’s story.
Killer Joe by Tracy Letts (June 5, 2014 – June 29, 2014)
This darkly humorous play from the author of August: Osage County will be directed by Molotov Co-Artistic Director Michael Wright. The Smith family hires Killer Joe to do away with mother for the insurance money. As a “retainer,” Joe beds the family’s young daughter. Before it’s over nearly everyone is a bloody mess. Killer Joe was adapted as a film in 2011 starring Matthew McConaughey, Thomas Hayden Church, Gina Gershon, and Emile Hirsch.
Directors interested in being considered for either “Extremities” or “Normal” should send their resumes to Michael Wright at [email protected] AND Alex Zavistovich at [email protected]. It is highly recommended that prospective directors visit the Molotov Web site to read About Grand Guignol and the embedded link The Molotov Manifesto.
About Molotov Theatre Group
Founded in 2007, the 501(c)3 non-profit Molotov Theatre Group is dedicated to education, preservation and exploration in the aesthetic of the Grand Guignol, or French Theater of Horror. Molotov Theatre Group applies the Grand Guignol ideals to contemporary and classic works. They also produce English translations of original Grand Guignol scripts to preserve and draw attention to this important, and essentially forgotten genre.
Molotov Press Contact:
Alex Zavistovich
301-633-6772
[email protected]
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