Be ready to be spooked: Griffonage Theatre cast members in masks for Kafka By Candlelight in the House Of Trembling Madness cellar, in Lendal, York
GRIFFONAGE Theatre, York’s theatrical confluence of the madcap and the madcap, proudly presents Kafka By Candelight as part of the Aesthetica Fringe 2025 from tonight to Friday.
“This collection of Franz Kafka’s strangest short stories will be disturbingly told in the darkness, in the bowels of The House of Trembling Madness, Lendal. Dare to join us down below?” teases director Katie Leckey.
In Poseidon, the God of The Sea is overwhelmed with the bureaucracy of managing the oceans; in The Penal Colony, an elaborate torture/execution device carves the crimes of criminals onto their skin as they slowly perish.
What next? In The Bucket, a woman is freezing to death, prompting her to seek out a coal dealer as she pleads for help. However, she is not understood.
In The Burrow, a badger-like creature holes himself up in his home, afraid of enemies outside…but soon strange noises begin to threaten his existence from within.
And lastly? In The Vulture, a vulture pecks mercilessly at the soles of a young person’s feet. A stranger tries to help, inadvertently making things wholly worse.
“This production is a work-in-progress piece, with sections that are script-in-hand,” says Katie. “We’re also experimenting with audience members adding to the atmosphere by optionally wearing [theatrical] masks…
“Griffonage are hoping to develop some of the selected stories into a longer show in the future. To this end, we would value any and all audience feedback after the performances. Please email katieleckey@griffonage.uk with feedback or questions!”
Pay What You Can tickets are available to reserve for each fright night’s 6.30pm and 8.30pm performances at eventbrite.com/e/kafka-by-candlelight-tickets-1815618316259.