The Terry M. Fisher Theater Presents: The Pillowman

By Latoya Wadley

The Pillowman is a 2003 play written by Irish playwright, Martin McDonagh and directed by John Crowley. It was originally produced by The National Theatre of Great Britain. It won the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play, was nominated for four Tony Awards and won two Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting for a Play. It was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Featured actor in a Play.  

The story centers around the dark tale of troubled writer Katurian Katurian, (Maurice Walters II) and his brother Michal Katurian, (Sherard Curry), who are being interrogated about the short stories that bare resemblance to a string of child murders in their home town. The play will have you in suspense from beginning to end.  

McDonagh spares no detail in his gruesome story, making this play unsuitable for those young or faint of heart. It opens with a classic good cop/bad cop scenario, with the ever-calm Detective Tupolski, (Taylor Gruenloh) and the relentless police officer Ariel (A.J. Pupillo) interrogating a clueless and frightened Kuturian.

It goes on to explain the happenings that landed Kuturian in custody, and his brother Michal is introduced.  Horrifically mistreated and left for dead at a young age, Michal's homicidal innocence touches your heart.

The story ends in an act of twisted fate that will leave you in a state of  being amazed, making Pillowman a must-see play that you will want to see again.

Opening night will be at 8 p.m.on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011. Other showings will be at 8 p.m. on October 1, 7* 8 and  at 2 p.m. on October 2. All shows will be performed in the Terry M. Fisher Theater and are free to the public.

(* Sign Interpreted)