There’s something fundamentally scary about a woman who has lost her child and blames the world for it. Translated into a book or a movie, the tale thrums with sinister fortitude, daring you not to flinch. But the true horror of a story about a woman cursing an entire village, killing the children as an act of posthumous revenge, is best experienced in theatre. Without the defence of a glass screen for protection from the spectre, with cunning shadows that play tricks on your mind, even your own neighbour’s discomfort can amplify the hair-raising moments.
This September, the ghost story The Woman in Black, a play that’s been running in London’s West End for the past 25 years, returns to Dubai after successful stints in 2009, 2012 and 2015. It will be staged in Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, between September 26 and October 2.
John Payton, the director and producer of the play based on Susan Hill’s book of the same name, is excited for the spine-tingling screams that invariably follow the sighting of the ‘Woman’. He says, in an interview with Gulf News tabloid!, “I think people like to be scared. To be taken out of their comfort zones. When you’re scared, the adrenalin kicks in and you feel that unique rush. The play does that to an audience, whilst providing fantastic dialogue, acting, and a brilliant original gothic story. People like to experience something live that is both thrilling and entertaining — and that is what The Woman in Black does so well.
“There’s really nothing out there that balances sheer theatricality with fear like The Woman in Black does.”
The play that centres on lawyer Arthur Kipps, and his brush with the phantom begins innocently enough, with the telling of a terrifying-with-an-aim-to-be-cathartic tale and then a re-enactment of said story by an actor. [The 2012 movie version of course does away with the storytelling aspect, hurtling you headlong into the carriage of the ill-fated Kipps.]
Soon the journey of a young Kipps pulls you deeper into its quicksand-like pits, and that’s where the ingenuity of the director comes in. “Through careful lighting and stage effects we create the atmosphere necessary for us to help an audience suspend disbelief. It’s about getting the audience on edge, nervous, afraid of the dark. When you do this in the right way, people are more susceptible to shocks and scares. Detailed sound effects are also incredibly important for the ambience. There’s a soundscape of over 100 sound and music cues, which underscore and punctuate the key moments of the play,” says Payton.
Sound sinister yet? Payton seems thrilled with the sharp squeals the production generates, especially since its got top-class troupe. “Working with great actors is always a highlight. Another highlight is sitting in during the performances, and in particular when schools and colleges attend. The sheer wall of screams and shouts which comes out of those audiences is always an eye opener!” he says.
In the UAE, the play’s enjoyed a few audience-packed runs. And this time around is expected to be no different. “Dubai can expect a cracking story, with all the delicious elements of gothic horror complete,” says the director.
“It’s an experience like no other and I promise that people will go away thinking about for a long time,” he adds.
As for what he and the rest of the cast are looking forward to, Payton says, “A little bit of sun, welcoming audiences to see our work and listening out for the screams.”
Box
Another ‘Woman in Black’?
When the play is all set for a long, long run, director John Payton has some good news for movie lovers too. “I’ve heard rumours of a third movie adaptation, so maybe we’ll see more of the ‘Woman’ on screen too,” he says.
Don’t miss it!
The Woman in Black runs between September 26 and October 2 at Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Tickets to the shows, held at varying times, start at Dh180.
