Event

The Shadow Box

Directed by Frederick Ponzlov, The Shadow Box uses a deceptively simple setting to tell its story: three Hospice-like cottages on the grounds of a large hospital. Each cottage is occupied by a very different type of family whose only commonality is that each has one member facing the end of their life. Every member of every family, though, has to grapple with the inevitable and try to make sense of it all; some are successful, and others less so.

I saw the original production on Broadway in 1977, Ponzlov says. When the curtain fell, I could barely leave my seat. It had such an incredible impact, and thoroughly altered my viewpoint on the end of life. I believe most of the people who left the theatre that night were changed, too. Thats the power of theatre, and the kind of theatre I want to do.

The dictionary defines a shadow box as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, the phrase means to spar with an imaginary opponent. As a noun, it describes a display case with a protective transparent front. In a sense, the small cottages of The Shadow Box are the noun, and the characters actions are the verb. The audience sees the characters in a specific setting as they shadow box with an irresistible opponent in a match that can have only one ending.

Ponzlov says The Shadow Box is a true actors piece. It provides incredible roles for actors. The performances I witnessed that night 40 years ago have lived with me as if I saw the play yesterday.