Screwtape

SCREWTAPE is a medieval morality play turned on its head. Told from the point of view of Screwtape, a “lower-archy” bureaucrat who serves the devil in hell as a Temptor, the story follows him as he attempts to help his nephew tempt a human soul to the darkside, while the possibility of a last-minute repentance hangs heavy in the air while. John D. Huston’s one man show, fittingly performed in a church, digs deep into the concept of morality, and particularly of the limits of religious morality. Themes of selfless love, faith, humanity, and repentance whip through the text. It is an enjoyably heady play.

The script uses C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters as a point of departure, and pulls it into the modern world through some creative dramaturgical devices. Screwtape is preparing a lecture for an audience of daemons on the subject of tempting the human heart, and of the beguiling concept of selfless love. Meanwhile, he is interrupted by his nephew, by way of a Google Glass type of communication device, who is leading a human soul into damnation. It is satirical piece with a creepy side.

Huston is undoubtedly a powerful actor, and employs a classical acting style which suits the Management-level bureaucrat character perfectly. From his heightened elocution, to his crisp, precise movements, Huston embodies Screwtape very well. Unfortunately, between the style of speech along with a frantic plot that frequently flips back and forth between two conversations, the play is difficult to follow. The structure of the script does not suit the heady themes on which it ruminates.

This production has a strong actor at its helm and is enjoyably philosophical. To note: One very bad joke about “church shootings” was in very poor taste.

SCREWTAPE

by John D. Huston from C.S. Lewis / By the Book Productions

Saint Paul’s Eastern church