Script and Closet Play Adaptations of The King in Yellow
The King in Yellow: A Spectral Tragedy
by Raymond Lefebvre and Maurice Bernhard
Published Approx. 23rd November 2005
Amazon Description: It is another 1922 in an America estranged
The Government has excluded all foreign-born Jews for the sake of national preservation and has established the independent Negro State of Suanee. In these times of xenophobia and suspicion The Government passes laws to stabilise the economy and to remove undesirable elements from society. The establishment of the first Government Lethal Chamber in April 1920 heralds a new dawn of technological nightmare. However beneath the machinery of unfettered reason there lurk aberrant mysteries for those depraved enough to seek them.
Hildred Castaigne, a troubled artist, battles for inspiration against a history of mental illness and in the wake of America's crippling war with the European Alliance. He resolves to visit Mr. Wilde 'The Repairer of Reputations', determined to acquire a copy of the infamous King in Yellow, a play banned since its publication in 1890, its tattered pages concealing some poisonous allegory that engenders madness and despair. The authorities soon seized the published copies but the legend endures amongst rumours of power and wealth beyond imagination for those who might unlock its twisted secrets.
Castaigne is rival to the love of a local dilettante, Constance, who seems more enamoured of his cousin Louis, a soldier. As terrible dreams and maddening visions overcome him Castaigne turns to his model, Tessie, for comfort. Whilst Castaigne becomes increasingly absorbed by the irrevocable malignity of the play he glimpses visions of the lost world of Carcosa with its crumbling towers and black stars. Can Tessie save him from the overwhelming decadence of the macabre King in Yellow?
Notes: Pinning down an accurate publication date for this one has been a challenge. According to The King in Yellow Wiki, it was written and first performed in French in 1933, and first translated to English in 1958. There is no citation to verify this, nor any other secondary sources I can find. My copy is dated 2005, though doesn't claim to be the first edition. Other websites similarly state 2005. The author and translator are similarly ambiguous. I can't find information online about either of them; it's possible they are pseudonyms.
The Dread Halls: A reader’s theater piece
by Jonny Bolduc
Published Approx. 2023
New Play Exchange Description: "The Dread Halls" is a gothic horror inspired reader's theater piece that delves into the psychological depths of its characters as they confront the horrors of the unknown. It's a chilling and unsettling journey into the realms of fear and madness.
Notes: This script is available through the National New Play Network's New Play Exchange, and can be accessed with a paid subscription to the service.
A Brilliant Spark: A One-Act Play That Is Not
by Ian Downes
New Play Exchange Description: (30 Pages) Rowen is trying to piece together their memories associated with a mysterious play - its burnt manuscript sitting in a box on their desk. There is something about this play... just out of reach...
Notes: I haven't been able to find a publication date for this one yet. This script is available through the National New Play Network's New Play Exchange, and can be accessed with a paid subscription to the service.
The Yellow Sign
by Christopher Lee Poor
Published 7rd December 2023
Amazon Description: The Yellow Sign is a two-act horror play inspired by the works of Robert W. Chambers, Arthur Machen and H.P. Lovecraft. It occurs over a 3-4 day period in the lives of three friends who live in the time and place of its performance. It explores themes of technology, the power of ideas to shape our reality, and the effects of worldview on our relationships. It is written for a cast of 4 males and 2 females, in their 20-40s, a seventh player who can be a male or female adult, and an ensemble of 4 males and 4 females who need to be passable dancers.
There is a single original song that is sung by one of the female cast members in the alto range. There are three short (3-4 minute) dance sequences that are integral to the plot. The play includes several situations that breach the fourth wall; one of the revelations of the play is that the audience is actually an essential part of the performance, and all of the performers except for the Director and the Lurker are originally seated in the audience.
The plot follows Alex, a local reporter and his friends Bryce and Jennifer as they become aware of a production of the play “The King in Yellow” at a local community theater. When Alex investigates the production, he meets the Director, a mysterious foreigner who is evasive as to the plot or theme of the play. Research by Alex and his friends reveals the play has a scandalous reputation, and was banned in Europe in the last century due to the effect that it had on the audience. The further they investigate, the more they become entangled in the reality of the play, and their connection with the real world fades away. They discover that the purpose of the play is to bring something into existence that threatens to consume their lives.
Notes: This play was performed and recorded in 2022, so is also listed in the Performances section.
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