The Economist (!) weighs in on why it is “impossible” to film H.P. Lovecraft, saying “Lovecraft, whose following is as devoted as that of Tolkien or Poe, cannot be adapted….he remains obscure because film adaptations of his macabre tales have been few and flawed.”
The writer (Jason Zinoman) eventually gets arounds to making his real point: The HPL tale “The Beast in the Cave” “is now being brought to vivid life in the East Village by Radiotheater…” [the run ended April 3]. And “Things at the Doorstep”, a “gothic tribute to Lovecraft and his story ‘The Hound’” was recently presented by the Manhattan Theater Source. “On the other coast, Stuart Gordon has staged a hit musical version of “The Re-Animator”, now on at the Steve Allen Theater. But it’s doubtful any show could capture his spooky enigmatic quality better than Radiotheater, which mounts six Lovecraft stories (along with “The Dunwich Horror” and “Pickman’s Model”) performed by four actors speaking into microphones in solitary spotlights. Creepy music, a few light cues and a burst of smoke are the only design. This chilling production concentrates attention on the voice, the words and, most importantly, the darkness. Like so many Lovecraft tales, this story takes place in blackness.” Etc.
Anyone see these performances? Let us know!
