The Trial of K

The Trial of K is a live multimedia Play Noir inspired by Franz Kafka’s unfinished masterpiece, The Trial. The production blends physical theatre, dance, live streaming surveillance video, and original music with the visually intense genres of German Expressionism and classic Film Noir. Synaesthetic Theatre’s new multidimensional dream-play pits the charmingly arrogant Josef K against a secretive and unforgiving Court of Law. Under the strain of constant surveillance, anti-hero Josef K (Margaret O’Sullivan) spirals from self-righteous indignation through fear and doubt towards an inevitable verdict, as author Kafka (Clinton Powell) documents K’s descent. Unable to defend himself against the Court’s unspecified charges, K’s confidence is eroded through interactions with a surreal parade of characters — men and women drawn by the scent of his “guilt.” Kafka provides insight and commentary as K fights a losing battle on unfamiliar ground — the hallucinatory territory of his own unexamined fears. Josef K has the right to remain silent, but his thoughts, actions, and fantasies WILL be used against him, and exposed for all to witness.

Appropriate for ages: 12+