There is no doubt that theatre has taken a particularly hard hit from COVID restrictions, so the Cayman Drama Society is very happy to be presenting a new production, which opened on 24 Feb. at the Prospect Playhouse.
‘The Deception of Kathryn Vask’, a play by Mark Steensland, will be running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 19 March. The dramatic tale will definitely appeal to fans of ghost stories, with the actors on stage and set design creating a spine-tingling atmosphere.
Plot
Blaming herself for her son’s death in an accident, a grief-stricken woman wants to hold a séance to get his forgiveness from beyond the grave. But when her husband conspires with the family pastor to hire actors and fake the proceedings, things don’t go as planned… or do they? This is a tightly-woven thriller that follows in the twisty footsteps of Ira Levin’s ‘Deathtrap’ and Anthony Shaffer’s ‘Sleuth’.
Cast and crew
There are some very familiar faces treading the boards, as well as working backstage. Julia Flanagan is in the lead role of Kathryn, with Shane Delaney as Jonathan, Adam Roberts as Father Mike, Martin Campion as Albert, and Agata Kalicki as Leslie. With years of acting experience between them, enhanced by a well-designed set, audiences should be in for a treat.
Behind the scenes, Nicola Galvin is stage manager, Mel Wright is on lights, Erica Ebanks covers sound and the co-director position, Paul de Freitas is the director, and Liana and Rick Jones are stage crew.
De Freitas acknowledged that the social-distancing restrictions have made it difficult for any kind of theatre production to move forward in the past couple of years. It was particularly unfortunate timing, as 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the Cayman Drama Society. Nevertheless, the show did go on in some cases, bringing much-needed light relief with ‘The Women’ and ‘Noises Off!’ in 2021. However, plans for a collaboration with the National Choir for a performance of ‘Sound of Music’ had to be scrapped, and the 2021 production of ‘A Playhouse Family Christmas’ was also cancelled, much to the disappointment of its loyal fans.
Even when it came to rehearsals for this play, Ebanks had to step in for actors that needed to test and isolate. It has not been without its challenges, but all involved feel it’s been worth it to be on stage once again. Hopefully ‘The Deception of Kathryn Vask’ will be the start of a new playhouse schedule, bringing the theatre back into the spotlight.
Past reviews
“I wish theatre horror was a bigger thing. I wish more people would realize how amazing this genre can – and does – do on stage, especially when the right special effects are used. And there’s something much more terrifying about being right there and seeing something unfold on stage, rather than witnessing it through a screen. There’s a more constant threat when seeing horror live, a sensation that what you’re watching really can break the fourth wall and come right at you … [‘The Deception of Kathryn Vask’ is] entertaining, gripping, impressive.” – Elle Turpitt, Dead Head Reviews
“In Act One, Scene One it’s a long, drawn-out argument at 4am with Kathryn and Jonathan and I got ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ vibes… The play only gets better, ratcheting up the intensity and the horror from there. I was into it 100% for the entire ride and let me tell you, it takes some turns [that I did not see] coming. … I am not sure I’ve read quite such a dark horror play before and it’s a genre I’m now convinced we need more of!” – Lars Skaar, Page Turners and Constant Reads
COVID aware
- Patrons are asked to leave a single seat between booking groups to ensure social distancing.
- Kindly self-test on the day of your performance. It is illegal to attend if you are positive for COVID-19.
- Masks must be worn from entrance walkway to your seats and, again, when moving from your seats.
- Grouping in the foyer is not practical under the regulations. Please stay in your seat, sending only one person for bar purchases or consume your drinks outside during the intermission.
- Masking in your seat is encouraged but not mandatory.
‘The Deception of Kathryn Vask’ has performances at the Prospect Playhouse Theatre 25 and 26 Feb., 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 March. Tickets are available online at www.cds.ky. Adults are $25 and students under 16 are $15. Doors open at 6:30pm, with curtain at 7:30pm. For more information, email [email protected].
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