On the night a death-house chaplain must hand over the reigns to the confident young pastor set to replace him, the men encounter an enigmatic inmate who challenges their convictions and changes their lives forever. Death House is a startling new piece of theatre that explores justice, redemption, and the possibility that we’re all more connected than we may want to admit.
Death House
Critics
LemonMeter
Reviews: 8
Reviews
I have to emphasize, once again, that this play is remarkable for its verbal exchanges and for the way the three magnificent actors bring it to life. It's a production that ought to be seen by everyone, no matter which side of the death penalty issue they espouse.
Written by skilled playwright Jason Karasev and directed by Michael Peretzian, DEATH HOUSE is a play you don't want to miss. Gripping, poignant, exciting, enigmatic, intriguing, startling, fascinating. All of these descriptors and more mark the Road Theatre on Lankershim's latest must-see production.
Jason Karasev's demanding play under Michael Peretzian's succinct direction brings the question of justice to light. Beginning with actor Sam Anderson's well-conceived pastor, the characters in Death House build tension personally as well as philosophically. George (Sam Anderson) has been beaten down as chaplain to death row inmates and now he faces his replacement by Allen (Chase Cargill), a cocky, young seminarian. Allen is over-confident while George shows compassion that has been softened by the years. Allen's arrogance is shaken when inmate Liliana (Verity Blanco) rejects his glib efforts to comfort her. Instead, she reveals her own humanity while admitting that in committing murder she “didn't kill, she saved” her victim. Throughout, the audience is challenged to discern, by imposing the death penalty, whether justice indeed has been served.
It all adds up to a shattering experience. You go on a journey with George, Allen, and Liliana, and though there are no easy answers or happy endings, it's a journey you'll be glad you took.
The play left a few questions unanswered, and some of the direction seemed a bit contrived. But it forced us to question our convictions: Is everything just black or white? Do all killers deserve to be executed? Would we still feel that way if we knew what was in their heads?
Powerful stuff.
RECOMMENDED - Death House is not a perfect play, but it packs a wallop. Some of the plot twists are awkward, and the first act has too much padding. Michael Peretzian does a fine job of directing, and he draws solid, convincing performances from his cast. Derrick McDaniel provides a highly effective lighting schema.
The Road Company is always pushing the limits of our emotions and our minds, and thankfully so. They pick plays that surprise us and challenge us and delight us, but that also make us think deeply about our place in this world and our footprint upon it... Michael Peretzian directs with a tender lightness that allows his actors to inhabit and to become…bravo.
Death House probably won't change anyone's stance on capital punishment, but it may open more than a few hearts to the humanity of even the most seemingly unforgivable of life-takers. At least one thing is for certain. The Road Theatre Company's 2019 opener packs one hell of a punch.
I have to emphasize, once again, that this play is remarkable for its verbal exchanges and for the way the three magnificent actors bring it to life. It's a production that ought to be seen by everyone, no matter which side of the death penalty issue they espouse.
Written by skilled playwright Jason Karasev and directed by Michael Peretzian, DEATH HOUSE is a play you don't want to miss. Gripping, poignant, exciting, enigmatic, intriguing, startling, fascinating. All of these descriptors and more mark the Road Theatre on Lankershim's latest must-see production.
Jason Karasev's demanding play under Michael Peretzian's succinct direction brings the question of justice to light. Beginning with actor Sam Anderson's well-conceived pastor, the characters in Death House build tension personally as well as philosophically. George (Sam Anderson) has been beaten down as chaplain to death row inmates and now he faces his replacement by Allen (Chase Cargill), a cocky, young seminarian. Allen is over-confident while George shows compassion that has been softened by the years. Allen's arrogance is shaken when inmate Liliana (Verity Blanco) rejects his glib efforts to comfort her. Instead, she reveals her own humanity while admitting that in committing murder she “didn't kill, she saved” her victim. Throughout, the audience is challenged to discern, by imposing the death penalty, whether justice indeed has been served.
It all adds up to a shattering experience. You go on a journey with George, Allen, and Liliana, and though there are no easy answers or happy endings, it's a journey you'll be glad you took.
The play left a few questions unanswered, and some of the direction seemed a bit contrived. But it forced us to question our convictions: Is everything just black or white? Do all killers deserve to be executed? Would we still feel that way if we knew what was in their heads?
Powerful stuff.
RECOMMENDED - Death House is not a perfect play, but it packs a wallop. Some of the plot twists are awkward, and the first act has too much padding. Michael Peretzian does a fine job of directing, and he draws solid, convincing performances from his cast. Derrick McDaniel provides a highly effective lighting schema.
The Road Company is always pushing the limits of our emotions and our minds, and thankfully so. They pick plays that surprise us and challenge us and delight us, but that also make us think deeply about our place in this world and our footprint upon it... Michael Peretzian directs with a tender lightness that allows his actors to inhabit and to become…bravo.
Death House probably won't change anyone's stance on capital punishment, but it may open more than a few hearts to the humanity of even the most seemingly unforgivable of life-takers. At least one thing is for certain. The Road Theatre Company's 2019 opener packs one hell of a punch.