You Stupid Darkness!

Sam Steiner's You Stupid Darkness! is an urgent play about the struggle for optimism and community amid the chaos of a world falling apart, first seen at Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2019.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2019
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

In the midst of a tumultuous and crumbling world, there exists a profound need to acknowledge and celebrate the positive aspects that still exist. Within the confines of a cramped and dilapidated office, a dedicated group of four volunteers dedicates their time every Tuesday night to reaching out to strangers, offering solace and reassurance. Despite the overwhelming disintegration of the outside world, these individuals teeter on the brink of their own personal crises. Their hopes and fears intertwine, creating a delicate balance as they strive tirelessly to connect with the callers and with each other.

Sam Steiner's powerful play, You Stupid Darkness!, serves as a poignant exploration of the relentless pursuit of optimism and community amidst the chaos of a world unraveling. Originally premiered at Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2019, this co-production between Paines Plough and Theatre Royal Plymouth is a testament to the enduring power of theatre to inspire, uplift, and connect.

The play takes us into the lives of these four volunteers, each grappling with their own personal demons and tragedies. As they engage in heartfelt conversations with strangers, they navigate the delicate balance between offering hope and maintaining a sense of realism. The callers, too, come from diverse backgrounds, each carrying their own unique burdens and struggles. Through their interactions, the volunteers strive to find common ground, to offer a glimmer of light in the midst of darkness.

You Stupid Darkness! is a masterfully crafted play that employs a blend of humor, tenderness, and raw emotion to convey its message. The performances are exceptional, with the actors fully immersing themselves in their characters and bringing them to life with authenticity and depth. The set design, too, is stunning, creating a sense of claustrophobia and decay that perfectly complements the themes of the play.

At a time when the world seems to be teetering on the edge of chaos, You Stupid Darkness! serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, compassion, and community. It encourages us to look beyond our own struggles and to recognize the beauty and resilience that still exists in the world around us. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, and that together, we can create a brighter future.

In conclusion, Sam Steiner's You Stupid Darkness! is a must-see play that offers a powerful exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of theatre to inspire, uplift, and connect. Through its compelling characters, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, the play reminds us of the importance of hope, resilience, and community in the face of chaos. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, let us be inspired by the resilience and optimism of these four volunteers, and let us continue to work together to create a brighter future for all.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 180 x 146 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848428324