Quantum Theatre, one of Pittsburgh’s most innovative theater companies, has a new theatrical interpretation of the classic slient film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. From playwright Jay Ball, this spin on the 1920s German horror movie will keep the thrills and chills of Halloween going after October has come to an end. The play opens on November 1, but we bring you a preview conversation with Quantum Theatre’s Artistic Director, Karla Boos. Get your tickets before they’re gone! Showtimes are November 1-24 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM.
Quantum Theatre Premieres The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari This Fall: An Exclusive Conversation with Artistic Director Karla Boos
What are some of the unique visual aspects of the production?
Karla Boos: Well, we couldn’t adapt the film for live theatre without having a very strong visual approach. Anyone who knows the film would expect that! We took inspiration from the dramatic abstract expressionist Franz Kline, and chose a black-and-white palette (also a nod to black and white film) – against which very careful use of color is going to pop. This palette carries through in costumes by Angela Vesco. The space, as usual with Quantum, required us to think outside the box and this long, strange staircase dominates among sharp angles and skewed perspective. The scenic design is by Yafei Hu). Of course there IS film front and center in our show – by the great filmmaker Joe Seamans. It does many different things, from providing story-telling context to special effects to visual jokes!
What were some challenges in putting together a theatrical adaptation of a silent film?
Karla Boos: With so many great design artists in the room together under director Jed Harris, the ideas flew on how to honor the beloved silent film but do our own thing… I’d say a greater challenge was ‘what are we saying with our remake of Dr. Caligari’ and for that I credit the thoughtful playwright Jay Ball. He’s always responding to the real moment in the world, but he brings such a wealth of historical knowledge to remind us of how the past repeats in the present, or contextualizes what we’re thinking right now. That said, it’s still challenging every day to pin down our point of view, and we’ll enter a new phase of challenge when this new work is in front of audiences.
What made Quantum choose this play for the 2024-2025 season?
Karla Boos: The project has artists I go way back with, whom I love and am so proud to know. I trust the combination of writer Jay Ball and director Jed Harris. And that truth-telling, curmudgeonly hope mongerer really spoke to me. He’s like a guiding compass for me right now!
This interpretation of the play is also inspired by the current political landscape. How does this come up in the production?
Karla Boos: We are like everyone else in America – so aware of our polarization. It’s very important to us to NOT offer stand-ins for current politicians, but instead help people see patterns, make their own parallels. Also, our show has a character who is really trying to cut through the bullshit! Who wants to be hopeful and rally everyone to fight, definitely, but also to be optimistic.
Story by Emma Riva / Photography by Jason Snyder
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