The Turn of the Screw

by JEFFREY HATCHER | Adapted from the story by HENRY JAMES

Directed by M. BEVIN O’GARA

November 8 - 23

At a secluded English country estate, a young woman takes a job as a governess to a pair of recently orphaned children. But soon after her arrival, ghostly visions and strange occurrences reveal a sinister presence around her young charges. Is the estate haunted by restless spirits? Are the children somehow complicit? Or has her fear and imagination taken hold of her?

Simple Machine presents The Turn of the Screw this November, bringing Henry James’ classic gothic thriller to two historic Boston settings. This adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher ratchets up the psychological suspense and intimacy of the story with two actors playing all the roles. Anna Waldron plays the eager young governess, determined to protect the children in her care at all costs. Stephen Libby takes on the rest of the characters of the story, from the children’s distant uncle, to the estate’s housekeeper, to the troubled 10-year-old boy.

“A haunting production that takes terrific advantage of Jeffrey Hatcher’s spare adaptation… an imaginative alternative to traditional theater. And it will encourage you to steer clear of shadows.”Terry Byrne, Boston Globe

“Director M. Bevin O’Gara and Lighting Designer Ian King create a creepy atmosphere, masterfully ratcheting up the tension and suspense…Libby and Waldron display incredible focus and concentration – they seem more aware of the story’s ghosts than the corporeal figures whose eyes are intent upon them…Whether or not you believe in ghosts, their spellbinding performances will scare the bejeezers out of you.”Nancy Grossman, BroadwayWorld.com

A wonderfully eerie experience. Seldom is theater so close-up and chillingly personal. [Director] M. Bevin O’Gara… tackles this famous ghost tale with her typical ingenuity… [actors Anna] Waldron and [Stephen] Libby… are both terrific… it is engrossing theater for the discriminating theatergoer.Jack Craib, South Shore Critic

“The intimate settings make the ghostly content of the play all the more mysterious and eerie…The combination of the uniqueness of the setting, the richness of the tale, and the believability of the actors made it a compelling evening of theatre. ” Al Chase, The White Rhino Report

Cast

Man … Stephen Libby
Governess … Anna Waldron

Production Team

Lighting Designer … Ian King
Costume Designer … Emily Woods Hogue
Stage Manager … Elizabeth Ramirez
House Manager … Andrew Rhodes
Dialect Coach … Liz Hayes

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Gibson House Museum
137 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02116


Taylor House Bed & Breakfast
50 Burroughs St., Boston, MA 02130