Edward Gorey (1925-2000) was a notable American artist and author most widely known for his macabre humor taking place in Edwardian settings.  People of a certain age can easily recall the haunted cries of his damsel in distress during the opening of Boston Public Television’s Mystery! series. You can find his illustrated short story collections, alphabet book, and his version of an oracle deck on our shelves. 

As an exciting bonus, this weekend you can also enjoy a live performance adaptation of one of his stories, The Unstrung Harp at Synapsis in Eureka.

The “unspeakable horror of the literary life” is relatable to anyone who has embarked on any creative endeavor.  Kathryn Cesarz’s dramatic adaptation of Edward Gorey’s “The Unstrung Harp” embarks on its own creative, comedic, and heartful journey that is well worth an audience ride-along. It starts with James Peck’s dynamic and captivating narration of Gorey’s text. Jesse March is the embodiment of an Edward Gorey character to a startling degree. Every emotion Mr. Earbrass goes through is clear and authentic while keeping up the intensity of caricature. The costumes are exaggerated but simple; comedic, classic and an enhancement to the actors’ performance. The minimalist set allows the focus to be where it should be- on the actors dramatizing the narration. The lighting and sound transposed over the physical comedy helps tell the story by letting the audience know mood changes and emotional nuance that might otherwise be overlooked.  Shadow puppets are otherworldly and mildly unsettling, but an excellent interlude to what is otherwise mostly one person exaggerating across the stage.  This short play is hosted at the charming Synapsis venue; a converted church where every performance is wonderfully intimate.  The Synapsis collective is community art worth supporting.

The Unstrung Harp (Inspired by “the Unstrung Harp” by Edward Gorey)

Direction, Scenography, and Story Adaptation by Kathryn Cesarz

Performed at Synapsis, Eureka on

Friday, Aug 12th at 8pm

Saturday, Aug 13 at 8pm

Sunday, Aug 14th at 2pm

Mr. Earbrass- Jesse March

Narrator – James Peck

Ensemble- Kathryn Cesarz