Based on an extraordinary true story, Stalking the Bogeyman follows renowned journalist David Holthouse’s secret plot to murder the man who raped him when he was seven years old, and highlights the complexities of childhood sexual assault. Following a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run, where the New York Times called the play “a riveting true story that has only deepened with its trip to the stage”, the play is now receiving its UK premiere.
Stalking the Bogeyman, was adapted for the stage by NewYorkRep’s Producing Artistic Director Markus Potter, alongside author David Holthouse. The play is based on an article published in 2004 by Holthouse and later adapted into a story for the popular US radio programme ‘This American Life.’ This critically acclaimed play explores the dangers of vengeance, the power of forgiveness, and the strength of family.
Having heard the American Life broadcast, Potter chose to adapt the story for the stage. The play premiered at North Carolina Stage Company in September 2013 and opened off-Broadway at New World Stages in 2014. As Markus Potter says:
“After hearing David’s story on “This American Life”, I thought about my son and I had that overwhelming and animalistic need to protect my family. Male victims of childhood sexual abuse have become an explosive issue with major, headline-grabbing scandals erupting within the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts and many more. This deeply troubling and emotionally charged issue is rapidly and finally coming to the fore of the world’s conscience.”
Peter Saunders from Stalking the Bogeyman charity partner NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) says of the play, “What sets this play apart from others is that it pulls no punches as to what child abuse is…..and illustrates the reasons so many victims never speak out. But it also concludes with a proposition that many will find challenging. Did the Bogeyman really only strike once?’’
Stalking The Bogeyman will run at Southwark Playhouse Theatre from Wednesday 13 July to Saturday 6 August. Set & costume design is by Rachel Stone, lighting design by Rob Casey, original music by Eric T. Lawson, sound design by David Gregory and the Casting Director is Anne Vosser.
Stalking the Bogeyman is partnered by the following charities NAPAC, Survivors UK, Safeline and 1in6.
Full cast to be announced shortly.
David Holthouse is an investigative journalist whose best known work has been published in alternative weekly newspapers including: the Chicago Reader, Denver Westword, Miami New Times and Phoenix New Times. He’s the winner of numerous journalism and literary non-fiction writing awards, and was senior writer and editor for the Southern Poverty Law Center team that in 2007 won the Utne Reader Independent Press Award for its work exposing right-wing extremism in the U.S. and Europe.
Markus Potter is a NYC based director, and the producing artistic director of NewYorkRep that is committed to developing and producing innovative new plays and musicals that inspire social change. www.NewYorkRep.org
David Adkin is a London based Producer and General Manager. Recent productions include: DUSKY WARRIORS – Workshop (Theatre Royal, Stratford East); Festival Producer/General Manager for THE OLD VIC NEW VOICES FESTIVAL (The Old Vic); OUR FRIENDS THE ENEMY (UK Tour/New York City); NEXT FALL starring Charlie Condou (Southwark Playhouse) and SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET starring David Bedella (Twickenham Theatre – Winner of Whatsonstage Award for Best Off-West End Production 2015).
13 July to 6 August 2016
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
