The Very Little Theatre presents a Stage Left production of Players in the Game—the West Coast premiere of a new play by Dale Wasserman, the award-winning playwright who wrote Man of La Mancha.
The play is directed by Reva Kaufman, who co-directed our production of Man of La Mancha. Players in the Game is a medieval drama about power and religion, with themes that speak to our time. It’s set in 14th century Prague, Bohemia. A tale of the Catholic Inquisition, it suggests at its core a timeless proposition: that it’s better to live with benign corruption and hypocrisy than with fiery, incorruptible, but unforgiving zealotry.
It’s 1316, a year in which the Holy Inquisition set a new mark by reportedly burning 3,755 people at the stake. Adulterers and gamblers abound in the highest places, while the aging Bishop of Prague, himself a sinner who “graciously” overlooks many crimes, tries desperately to keep the peace in a climate of scandal. He succeeds—until a new Inquisitor, sent by a displeased Pope, starts asking questions. Soon, six accused heretics face “purification” by fire; a high stakes political and religious battle over their fate ensues. Will it end with manipulated mercy or with harsh justice?
Symposium for Playwrights
On Saturday, May 5th, 2007 @ 1 p.m there will be a FREE Symposium for Playwrights, led by local authors Dorothy Velasco, Leigh Anne Jashaway, and others. The symposium will be a discussion about the challenges of being a playwright. |
