Jan 1 – Feb 3, 2008
By Bob Clyman
Directed by Jessica Kubzansky
In this fast-paced, suspense-filled thriller by the author of The Laguna Playhouse hit drama, The Secret Order, Azmera, an African graduate student comes to Dr. Philip Malaad, a respected psychiatrist and renowned specialist in clinical hypnosis, seeking relief from her panic attacks which began shortly after she observed a violent incident in her native country. After ‘trancing’ her, Dr. Malaad begins to suspect whatever she believes she witnessed may actually be concealing a repressed memory, one with profound consequences for many thousands of people unless someone quickly intervenes. Caught between his professional ethics and this larger moral obligation, Malaad is soon pulled into a vortex of high-level political intrigue, forced to examine as never before the elusive nature of memory and the art of persuasion.
“The elegant, highly literate script receives articulate performances by skilled actors.” – L.A. Weekly
“There's plenty to admire in this well-cast production, directed ably by Jessica Kubzansky, who capitalizes on Clyman's talent for creating relationships that are a volatile mix of adversarial sparring and sexual tension. The actors deliver focused, intense performances under Kubzansky's economical direction.” – OC Register
“Anyone despairing of American playwrights' indifference to contemporary realities will find stimulating tonic in a trip to the Laguna Playhouse for the world premiere of this ambitious and thematically rich work.” – Variety Magazine
Click here to read the full review.
“Strength of writing and strength of purpose combine to send a hopeful New Year’s message that playwrights still have the talent and tendencies to tackle tricky subjects.” – TheaterTimes
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“The play is an edgy intellectual and emotional roller coaster ride that boldly probes the human psyche, ethics, politics, world tensions and what it means to live as an authentic individual with causes… audiences are treated to a fresh, vibrant two hours of mesmerizing live theatre.”
– The Event Newspaper
“The performers are thoroughly focused, skilled, and believable. Layered with provocative ethical questions, the play leaves us thinking even after it ends. Its topicality engenders reflection, as good theatre should.”
– Backstage Magazine
Click here to read the full review.
Read the latest issue of Callboard
Read the OC Register's interview with playwright Bob Clyman
Read the LA Time's interview with playwright Bob Clyman
Read the peformance program for TRANCED
Read an interview with playwright Bob Clyman
Read about Guided Imagery and Hypnosis
Read about an actual hypnotherapy session!
Tranced is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, a grant-making program that helps fund the production of new plays.
