New Stage Thriller 'Droha' Explores the Perils of a Dangerous Game
A chance encounter on a desolate mountain road spirals into a night of intense psychological terror in the new stage thriller, "Droha." Inspired by "The Dangerous Game," a short novel by the celebrated Swiss writer Friedrich Dürrenmatt, the play is a gripping exploration of justice, morality, and the dark secrets that can lie dormant beneath a veneer of success.
An Unwitting Participant
The story centers on Bismay, the successful Chief Managing Director of a popular television channel, whose perfectly ordered life is thrown into chaos when his car breaks down in a remote, mountainous region. He finds refuge in a nearby farmhouse, where he is welcomed by the seemingly benevolent owner, a retired judge.
The judge is entertaining three old friends a former public prosecutor, a seasoned defense attorney, and, most curiously, a retired public hangman. As the evening unfolds, Bismay is invited to participate in a peculiar parlor game the group plays over dinner, a tradition they use to pass the time and keep their legal minds sharp.
The Game Becomes a Trial
What begins as a curious diversion quickly takes a sinister turn. The "game" is revealed to be a mock trial, and to his horror, Bismay finds that he has been cast as the defendant. The charge is nothing less than premeditated murder. The convivial atmosphere of the dinner party evaporates, replaced by the chilling formality of a courtroom.
Trapped and with no way out, Bismay is subjected to a relentless and deeply personal cross-examination. The retired legal eagles use all their professional skill to dissect his life, peeling back the layers of his past to expose long-buried secrets and challenge the very foundation of his identity. The play masterfully builds a sense of claustrophobia and dread as Bismay's polished facade begins to crack under the psychological and emotional pressure.
A Nightmarish Conclusion
"Droha," which translates to 'Betrayal' or 'Treason', forces both its protagonist and the audience to confront profound questions about guilt, innocence, and the nature of justice itself. As Bismay grapples with the accusations and the ghosts of his past, the mock trial escalates, pushing him to his breaking point. The play drives relentlessly towards a shocking and nightmarish conclusion, leaving the audience to ponder whether true justice was ever the goal of this dangerous game.
Unpacking the Drama
Tags: Theatre Review
