Generic Theatre Feature- Virginian Pilot

Whether we admit it or not, humans tend to be captivated by the evil actions of bad people.

That’s why Jack the Ripper was a celebrity, of sorts, when the unknown killer terrorized London in the late 1800s. Or why “Dexter,” a TV show examining the mind of a calm, collected serial killer, has become a hit, despite its gory murder scenes.

Mining the dark recesses of sinister minds seems to be especially gripping for writers, who find crafting these characters to be bloody good fun.

The perverse thrill of committing malicious deeds is the central thread in “Wicked Games,” a showcase of one-act plays Saturday at the Generic Theater in Norfolk.

“Each of these pieces relates to human cruelty and the different ways that people can manipulate others,” said Philip Odango, the theater’s executive director. “Each also reflects an interior wickedness that may not be apparent at first glance.”

The inner monologue of three unlikely sociopaths is presented in “PsychoSocial,” a new play by Sam Cooper, a 2012 Old Dominion University graduate.

“The way Sam frames the play, it’s like every character is giving a testimony,” Odango said. “Each character is a serial killer who tells their story and how they became the people they are.”

“Room 21F” shifts the subject to abduction with a chilling story crafted by Hampton Roads-based stage actress Angela Best.
“This piece displays the dynamics of collusion and coercion between the characters as their true intentions are revealed,” Odango said. “Angela’s use of seedy and sinister language adds a compelling texture to her storytelling.”

Best, the Generic Theater’s box office manager, has acted in the company’s Fall Shorts production for the past two seasons. Her previous playwriting experience includes her adaptation “Jonah and the Whale.”

Finally, one of the more delightful scenes in theater will be brought to life by eight actresses in “She Sleeps No More: An Evening With Lady Macbeth.”

“A lot of female actors aspire to play Lady Macbeth at some point in their career,” Odango said. “Not many get the opportunity, because there aren’t many regional productions of the play. So this is something special.”

Each actress will perform the famous soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 2, of Shakespeare’s masterwork along with a scene from a play of her choosing. “It should be fun for the audience to see how each actor interprets the role differently,” Odango said.

“Wicked Games” is part of the Generic Theater’s newly launched New Plays & Experimental Work division, designed to foster opportunities for aspiring young artists.

“Stories make us better; art makes us better,” Odango said. “This new division will allow playwrights to be able to get their work in front of an audience so they can receive feedback and continue developing their work.”