Philaletheis performs black comedy “The Pillowman”

Liza Darwin Assistant Arts Editor

Audience members who attend Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman” (2003) will laugh—but only until they realize what they are actually laughing about. The new Philaletheis production tells the story of a writer in a police state who is interrogated about his violent stories, which bear an eerie resemblance to the recent murders of several children in his town. Set in a government interrogation room, the play’s unusual title refers to a crime that Katurian, the protagonist, commits using a pillow.

Director Peter Gaffney ’08 first became interested in the story through a friend. “I decided to direct this play because a friend of mine lent it to me and I thought it was one of the most well-crafted, gorgeous plays I’d ever read,” he said. “Martin McDonagh, the playwright, is a genius.”

Ben Davis ’10, who plays Katurian, said that the play is influenced by a number of outside elements. “I like to describe it as a Kafka-esque world, directed by Quentin Tarantino, with multiple Chuck Palahniuk stories throughout,” he said.

Davis said that “The Pillowman” is not short on surprises and thrills that both entertain and challenge the audience to think outside the box. “It is a thriller, as there are constant surprises and shocking moments. It is also a black comedy, as in you will often laugh, but then stop because you realize you are laughing about very serious things,” he said.

The play, first performed in London in 2003, explores themes such as freedom of speech, the power of authority, and the complications that ensue when those two forces merge. Sam Fleming ’10, who plays the lead interrogator, Tupolski, said that the play’s traumatic themes and extreme emotional fluctuations had a cathartic effect. “It was emotionally taxing to perform. Every night after a run, I am especially drained,” he said.

Fleming also noted that his character is much deeper than he initially seems, which was another challenge in performing his role. “My character has many nuances that may not meet the eye upon first impression. Therefore, it has been very difficult to both conceal and hint towards these different characteristics,” he said.

Katurian stated that, during the play, “The first duty of a storyteller is to tell a story.” Not only is this true for the author, but it actually relates to every character in “The Pillowman.” Each presents a different angle of the story. The stories are revealed both verbally and through behavioral hints and actions, and they vary in tone and style—from Katurian’s tales of child murders to the policeman’s torturous interrogation.

All of these different yarns presented unique challenges for the actors. Davis said that he struggled with maintaining the secrecy of what would happen later in the play. Katurian is Davis’ most significant role to date, and he said that being onstage the entire time is the greatest challenge for him as an actor. “I have half of the lines of the show to memorize,” he said. “It has definitely been the biggest role I have ever had in a show, but the show is so good, I hardly notice how much I have to work for it.”

Davis warns that “The Pillowman” will likely reach intensity levels that the average Vassar playgoer may not be used to. “This show is certainly not for anyone—anyone who cannot deal with gruesome, horrible themes or have heart problems or are pregnant should not come—seriously!”

However, the purpose of “The Pillowman” rings the same as many other plays: to encourage the audience members to connect the play’s ideas to their own lives. Davis noted that the show will have the audience both laughing out loud and frightened because the themes are so grim. “It is one of the darkest, yet most beautiful and amazing plays I have ever come across, and I strongly encourage anyone who has the slightest interest in it to come see the show and see what I’m talking about for themselves,” he said.

“The Pillowman” will take place from May 3-5 in Susan Stein Shiva Theater at 8 p.m.