Laughter in the Dark a play; by Vladimir Navokov and adapted by Sarah Moss

Presented by Robillard Theatreworks

Robillard Theatreworks, a San Francisco based company, brings to the stage "Laughter in the Dark", a full-length show based on the novel by world-renowned author, Vladimir Nabokov. Show opens at The Garage performance space July 30th.

The talented cast retells the tragic story of a man who is longing for sexual passion and artistic success to bring him out of his mundane existence. Albert Albinus, (played by Paul Rodrigues) a stodgy movie producer and patron of the arts, meets a young usherette (Melissa Rakowitz) whom he pursues with mad obsession, leading him down a road to ruin.

The dark yet amusing tale is filled with visual delight...read mores and is accompanied by an art exhibit in the lobby of the theater. Artistic Director, Sarah Moss, fell in love with the story and set out to create a complete show which portrayed the character's love of imagery and longing for the exotic. The show has been a 3-year process for Moss, who wrote the adaptation, choreographed, and directed the show, as well as created the visual art.

"I cast the frames in plaster with molds that I made from latex and have been incorporating collage and digital imagery to coincide with the story that is being told onstage. Nabokov was very fond of art and mentions 11 different painters in Laughter in the Dark alone, all of whom I am incorporating into the images for these frames."

Coming from a dance background and having performed with Bay Area companies Vau de Vire Society, Dark Porch Theatre, Landini Dance Co. and others, Sarah was drawn to the idea of bringing dance into the mix. "I didn't see this as just a straight play. The element of sensual fantasy and dark humor were far too intriguing to not have movement as well."