Case Study
The Fringe Cabaret Lounge (10330 84 ave) August 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24
An interview with Josh Languedoc.
Describe your show in five words.
Haunting, eerie, quirky, psychological, tense.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
Case Study can be seen as a play of layers. In a literal sense, it features 2 scientists who are commissioned by the government to partake in a research project. The problem is…the research project is kept a secret until the 2 scientists meet. These two scientists are now forced to work together in a remote research laboratory on a project funded by a mysterious “Team,” two mysterious entities that speak to the scientists over microphones. Little do the scientists know that this research laboratory holds a dark secret.
Thematically, this play is about human behaviour. Specifically, the nature of the research project, which can be defined as “where does violence originate from? Genes or the environment?”
What inspired you to write Case Study?
I was inspired to write Case Study from two sources. First, I am a fan of playwright Daniel MacIvor, and particularly, I have always been inspired, moved, disturbed, and drawn to his play Never Swim Alone. I wanted to create a piece of theatre that spoke to an audience in the same tone, pace, and feel that Never Swim Alone was so successful at. Secondly, in my own university studies, I have grappled with the infamous nature/nurture debate. However, it wasn’t until I heard the lyrics to the song “Race For the Prize” by musical band The Flaming Lips that I pictured characters to partake in this debate. The song speaks of 2 scientists racing, battling, out-doing one another for the good of humankind. As such, this play was born: 2 scientists studying a subject, partaking in the nature/nurture debate.
Case Study was workshopped through Citadel Theatre’s Young Playwright’s Company. How has the play grown from the first to its current version?
Through the dramaturgy of Heather Inglis and the other participants of the program, this play became a lot more human. Heather tried to steer me away from the “character speaks to audience” method of storytelling, and was able to guide my writing to a more “characters constantly speak to one another” method. From its initial draft, the characters of “1” and “2” have become more distinguished. Their motivations are complex, their personalities contradict themselves, and like regular human beings, they have mood swings that are affected by each other. In short, this play has become grounded in a humanity for the 2 leading characters.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
This play is a new work and is having its premier here in Edmonton. This is very exciting! As such, we would love to have as much audience exposure as possible! So, by all means, come to the show and partake in this infamous nature/nurture debate!
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Directed by Adam Kuss, the current Artistic Director of Walterdale Theatre.
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. I’ll be previewing shows up until the Fringe starts. Want your show to appear on After the House Lights? Email jennamarynowski@gmail.com.