The Turn Of The Screw

Writers’ Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma prepare for The Turn of the Screw adapted by Jeffery Hatcher from the classic story of Henry James. The production, directed by Jessica Thebus, will run from November 13 – March 30, 2008 at the Writers’ Theatre at 664 Vernon Avenie in Glencoe.

Part ghost story and part psychological thriller, this classic tale concerns a governess hired by a wealthy recluse to look after his orphaned niece and nephew. The seemingly innocent children gradually reveal a series of terrifying secrets. Henry James’ novel has been adapted by Hatcher with minimal setting and relying instead upon the word and the artist. Ideally suited for the intimacy of the bookstore, this spine-tingling script places the weight of its dramatic success upon the perfect fusion of stagecraft and the far reaches of the imagination.

“Writers’ Theatre has a long standing tradition of presenting literary adaptations. It is particularly pleasurable to be presenting this taught and vital two actor adaptation of The Turn of the Screw at exactly the same time that we are opening our three-actor adaptation of Crime and Punishment in New York,” comments Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. “I have admired Jessica’s virtuosity as a director and we are pleased to welcome her to Writer’s Theatre for the first time. She is matched in depth and skill by her cast, design team and by Jeffery Hatcher’s imaginative adaptation. I am eagerly anticipating their vision as we bring to life this intriguing and terrifying classic ghost story!”

Tickets for The Turn of the Screw are available at the Box Office, 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe; 847-242-6000 or online at writerstheatre.org.