The military scientist ( Vincent Roppolo ) is in his laboratory researching and engaged in his fascination for the inventions of war . During his research he is visited by characters that speak to him and exam his motives and “duty” to create and control weapons that could cause the demise of the human race . These voices are unseen to him but are in conversation constantly. In the play they are known as the Will O ‘ Whisperers ( Sarah French and Eddie Allen ) they know him and indeed are embedded in the depths of his psyche .
All of the constructs and characters in the play are actually alive in his imagination and conscience . He contemplates the origins of warcraft and invention . Out of a constant questioning of his “duty” he traverses a landscape of remembrance filled with memories of past wars and deeds of humanity .
There is also the Figure of Speech ( Madison Schulkin ) the voice of the Paradiso ( Emmit Nelson ) and the Woman of Grief ( Berinika Lehrman ) .
Appearing throughout the entire performance is the Goddess of Harmony ( Sarah French ) . The Goddess of Harmony addresses the audience and acts as a guide in the journey of the scientist through a number of transformations taking on the actions of a General , a Fool and a Man that finds a final healing that is required to appease his conscience and become whole in his quest .
The play is filled with music and rhythms . The chorus is part of the scientists inner voices and whispers . The musicians ( Madison Schulkin and Emmit Nelson ) are in an upper loft acting as an orchestra . Sometimes they perform as a circus band other times as singing voices in harmony and discordance depending on the scenes of the scientist’s imagination .
The cast is in and out of the remembrances and actions becoming real characters in the journey quest of the Scientist .
The costumes ( Vilma Mare, designer ) are crafted as artisan garments . Masks are used for a number of characters and scenery is minimal creating a back drop for the characters . The lighting ( Deena Pewtherer ,designer ) evokes each scene as an imagination and reality of the Scientist’s dilemma .
At times poignant and essentially human . Other moments discordant and disturbing . All of the play has a rhythm and musical quality that will bring the journey to a conclusion that will require the audience to enter the two acts with an active participation .
Directed , written and produced by J. Patrick Doyle . Scenic design and illustration by Nathanael Blachere . Production design by Max Freund .
Atomic Masquerade is set to open on May 8th 2025 the 80th year remembrance of the dropping of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki .