Lost Flamingo Company's 'Pillowman' refuses to let audiences sleep
By Megan Fishel, Staff Writer
March 14, 2008 | 6 a.m.
Ohio University’s Lost Flamingo Company prepares for its production of “The Pillowman,” a twisted tale that will amuse, disgust and do anything but lull the audience to sleep with sweet dreams.
Written by Martin McDonagh, "The Pillowman" portrays the classic definition of a black comedy. The sheer intensity of the script immediately attracted the director, Bryan Cain, to the play.
“This show, by far, is Lost Flamingo Company’s most challenging show yet," Cain said. "It’s testing artistically, dramatically, staging, lighting, everything. Every single level.” The entire cast and crew feel this as well.
"The Pillowman" is set in a totalitarian state and focuses mainly on the less-than-just interrogation of Katurian, poignantly played by Tim Aranyos. Aranyos tells Katurian’s heartbreaking story through his own fierce eyes.
Katurian is a gruesome fiction writer who is held in police questioning when his murder stories are mimicked by the real-life murders of children in his own town. Also brought into question is Katurian’s mentally challenged, older brother Michal, played by Drew Crabtree.
A point of interest within the play is Katurian and Michal's deeply disturbing childhood, which is exposed gradually throughout the story. Their brotherly love has been tested their entire lives, especially since the investigation has begun.
“I feel like we’re a slightly more emotionally bonded Pinky and the Brain [of the cartoon 'Animaniacs'],” Aranyos said, in regard to the relationship between Katurian and Michal.
Alternating scenes of interrogation, reenactments of Katurian’s twisted stories, which may or may not be true, and a few sadistic cops bring this show to a disturbingly realistic level. “The actors are always so exhausted after rehearsal,” Cain said. “The crew, too. We all are.”
“Living in a world where there is never anything original, this show is totally special," Cain said, in regard to the plot depth of “The Pillowman."
The word "special" might not capture just how intense this show is. Michal is incorrect in saying to Katurian in Act Two, “Would you skip to the end, please? This is kind of boring."
This, however, is probably far from audience members' thoughts. In addition to the blunt violence of the show, the wit and humor, though dark, calls for unavoidable attention from the audience as well.
The cast of "The Pillowman" puts much energy in making the LFC production resonate with audience members, no matter how gruesome of a reality it creates.
“The Pillowman” is sure to attract those who can appreciate the irony in a hypocritical world and who do not mind a little blood and guts here and there. Performances are at 8 p.m. March 14 and 15 in Baker University Center Theater. Tickets cost $4 and doors open at 7:30 p.m.
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