Convocation,
Music & Lyrics by Mark-Brian Sonna, 2007
This chant asks for blessings and mercy from the spirit of death.
The Lover and Death,
Anonymous, 14th or 15th Century
This dark tale of Death’s jealousy of a young man in love remains engaging centuries after it was first penned.*
Horror, Terror, Furor!!! or Victims in Bulk,
Manuel Arboledas, 1904
This is a simple story of boy meets girl, boy looses girl, and in despair everyone around them commits suicide. This outrageous comedy was such an effective send up of the melodrama that it’s been credited for single handedly killing the Romantic Movement in theatre.*
The Student,
Travis Mayo, 2006
This five minute play was Mr. Mayo’s auspicious stage debut as a playwright when he was 17. A young man’s confession leads to a brutal act that will have you reeling.
Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejías,
Federico García Lorca, 1935
The shocking, agonizing, and horrific death of a bull fighter brings about earth shattering revelations about the nature of love, friendship, and compassion. Highly intense, and revelatory, this stage adaptation was heralded when first presented for bringing to life what is considered one of the greatest poems of the 20th century.*
Morianna’s Poison,
Anonymous, 1501
Based on an event that took place in 1448, this “Romance” is still popular to this day for its delicious malevolence.*
Floor 13,
Alejandro de la Costa, 2006,
Four strangers get on an elevator and head to the 13th floor. When the elevator’s door won’t open mayhem ensues as each character struggles to survive by following the directions on the elevator’s computer screen and by taking turns and revealing secrets about themselves that they would under no normal circumstance share with complete strangers. This black comedy runs in real time and lasts -you guessed it- 13 minutes.
Father and Mother,
Eduardo Barrios 1915
Two children play at being grown ups. As they explore the grown up world their child’s play turns violent and deadly.*
The Love of Bernal Francés,
Anonymous, 15th Century
A chilling true tale of infidelity, deception, lust, and mistaken identity.*
Killing Thomas,
Mark-Brian Sonna 2004
This dark play based on true events terrified and shocked audiences when it first premiered during the first “Theatre of Death”. This play explores the psychology of sociopath behavior through a series of revelations. It’ll leave you wondering about the seemingly ordinary people you brush up against on a day to day basis.
Coda,
Music & Lyrics by Mark-Brian Sonna 2004, 2007
This piece was written in 2004 as a recitative piece releasing death’s hold on the evening’s proceedings; music was added this year.
*translated by Mark-Brian Sonna
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