Disturbing play
true to life

No one can say there's a lack of diversity in Honolulu's theater community. Some groups present straight escapist entertainment, while others address difficult subjects such as racism, sexual harassment and American foreign policy, with dark enigmatic dramas.

For adults only Cruel Theatre and the Lizard Loft present "The Cenci: A Tragedy of Rape and Murder" Where: The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave. When: Opens June 10; performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. Sundays, through the 19th Tickets: $10 general and $7 students, available at the door a half-hour before showtime Call: 523-1004 Note: Not suitable for people under 18

For every production that has a conventional happy ending -- say, "Big River" or "Aloha Friday" -- many others tell stories that end in tragedy.

Even allowing for the tragic endings of "King Lear," "Miss Saigon" and "West Side Story," it seems unlikely that we will see a darker or more disturbing show this year than the Cruel Theatre / Lizard Loft production of Percy Bysshe Shelley's "The Cenci" that opens at the ARTS at Marks Garage on June 10.

Shelley drew on the true story of a deeply dysfunctional 16th century Italian family in writing of an evil man who uses his great wealth to escape punishment for his crimes. One of the man's victims, a family member that he raped, convinces other members of the family to help strike back at him.

Instead, the authorities condemn them to death. Good does not triumph. Evil prevails.

Danel Verdugo stars as the doomed heroine, and Chris Doi joins company veterans Nicolas Logue and Christie Hauptmann to complete the cast.

Shelley's play was condemned as "obscene" for its theme and subject matter when it was first published in 1820, and it was not well-received when it finally debuted on stage in 1886.

Cruel Theatre founder Taurie Kinoshita suggests that her version probably is not suitable fare for people under 18. But adults in search of challenging drama should find "The Cenci" to their liking.