This season, the Charter theater program is taking their swing at “Trap” by Stephen Gregg, a psychological thriller that blends suspense and horror in an exploration of human fear. Directed by Mrs. Alaina Butler, “Trap” delves into a mysterious event, where an entire audience falls unconscious during a play in Menachap, California. As chilling details unfold, characters confront dark secrets and hidden memories.
“Trap” opens with a reporter interviewing survivors of the terrifying event that shook the small town. As they recount their experiences, the play moves seamlessly between interviews, flashbacks, and eerie reenactments, creating an immersive, layered narrative. The survivors’ memories reveal a night filled with unfathomable occurrences, moments of terror, and the gradual realization that something sinister is occurring, but they are not quite sure just what. The story plays with the audience’s sense of reality, blurring the lines between truth and falsities.
At the center of the story is the character of Angela, a quiet high school student who goes to watch the play with her mother. Angela’s courage and determination make her a powerful focal point as she uncovers clues about the mysterious forces. Her character embodies innocence, navigating scenes of suspense with a mix of fear and bravery that keeps audiences rooting for her survival.
Another key character is the theater director, Mr. Amrose, who becomes a mysterious figure throughout the play. He seems to know more than he lets on, and his cryptic behavior raises suspicions about his true motives. Mr. Amrose’s character adds to the play’s unease, as his elusive answers and strange habits suggest he may be part of the danger rather than just a witness to it. This tension builds as the audience questions whether he’s a protector, a villain, or something in between.
The play’s structure is unusual, combining traditional scenes with documentary-style interviews, where characters reflect on what they experienced that night. This format invites the audience to become detectives, piecing together fragments of the story as they try to understand what happened. As characters recall the horror that unfolded, the mood grows darker, amplifying a sense of impending doom.
Throughout “Trap,” the boundary between reality and performance becomes increasingly blurry, and the audience is left questioning what is real and what is fabricated. Characters grapple with their memories, doubting themselves and one another as they confront the idea that the “trap” may not be something they can escape. This uncertainty, combined with the psychological tension, creates a uniquely unsettling experience.
“Trap” stands out as a choice for the Charter theater program, presenting a break from traditional narratives with its focus on suspense and horror. It challenges audiences to engage with the story on multiple levels, following the mystery through twists, conflicts, and moments of fear. With a chilling atmosphere that’s haunting yet intriguing, “Trap” promises to be a thrilling addition to this year’s theater season, inviting viewers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems, leaving audiences at the edge of their seat.
Performances will be Thursday, November 7, Friday, November 8, and Saturday November 9, at 7:00 PM.
Tickets will be $10 when purchased in advance at cscsfinearts.ludus.com and $15 at the door.
