Plug-In: The Killer's Conscience
This past April, I had the pleasure of attending, alongside our director Christopher Woodward, the debut of Badhaus Productions' "Circus of the Absurd." This event marked an exciting introduction to the scene, showcasing the incredible range of talents within the company. From dynamic physical theatre to compelling performances, the showcase highlighted the potential of this emerging group. The talent on display was phenomenal, promising a bright future for Badhaus Productions as they continue to grow and push the boundaries.
The company is already hard at work on their second production, "A Killer's Conscience," set to perform at the Hope Street Theatre in September. We were fortunate enough to gain exclusive insight into their creative process, offering a glimpse into their creativity.
Enter the suspenseful world of "Killer's Conscience," where reality and illusion blur. Sean, driven to the edge by his bully Lewis, leaves the audience questioning if it's all in his mind or if there's more to the story. Experience this spine-tingling production and prepare to be on the edge of your seat.
Are you intrigued yet?
We spoke to the director and producer, Alexandra Lily, about how the project came about. She revealed that during the launch of BadHaus, stage manager Eli Morgan suggested that "Killer’s Conscience" would be a perfect fit for the company's horror and psychological focus. Alex, known for blending psychology with theatre and inspired by Sarah Kane and Antonin Artaud, saw the potential immediately. After pitching the idea to Executive Director Phil, "Killer’s Conscience" was chosen as BadHaus's next debut play.
Alex went on to explain the immersive side of the show. The team decided to engage all five senses, focusing on lighting tricks and infrasound. Sound, in particular, was used to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and influence physiological states. Composer and Musical Director Marky Reader researched famous horror film scores to craft music that would trigger the audience's fight-or-flight response.
They also employed various psychological techniques, primarily playing with sight and sound. Audience members are warned of strobe lighting, dark themes like bullying and psychological stress, and anxiety-inducing moments.
We asked Alex how the rehearsal process for "Killer's Conscience" was going, and she said:
"Rehearsals are going brilliantly. We're fortunate to have a strong cast and crew who have gelled wonderfully. Writer Joe Gordon, who also plays antagonist Lewis Dawson, has been a dream to work with, allowing flexibility and freedom in the process."
She hinted at what the audience can expect: despite the dark themes, they can look forward to laughter, tears, and a sense of justice. Viewers are advised to let go of preconceptions and enjoy the twists and turns hidden in plain sight throughout the story.
Our focus now shifts to the talented writer Joe Gordon, who shared his inspiration for "Killer's Conscience." The writer first crafted a scene in college based on a prompt about "the final scene of a play that reveals a twist." This scene, created during a moment of procrastination, resurfaced during the lockdown. To stay sane, the writer decided to develop it into a full play. The exact source of the storyline remains unclear, but the writer discovered true crime podcasts around the same time, which likely influenced the narrative.
With a strong cast and crew, rehearsals are going brilliantly. Despite the dark themes, expect laughter, tears, and a sense of justice. "Killer's Conscience" is a must-see, and we can’t wait for another great night by Badhaus.
Covered By, Megan Kay