The Sandman
By: E.T.A. Hoffman
Adapted by: Bob Fisher
Directed by: Max Truax

Hoffman published Der Sandmann in 1816. The short story begins as a series of letters, and moves into a narrative structure. In THE SANDMAN, Fisher’s adaptation draws on these literary devices to recreate the dramatic plot: Nathaniel is away at university when he encounters a man he believes to be an incarnation of the man who murdered his father. For Nathaniel, this initiates an obsessive investigation of repressed childhood memories and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father’s death. Nathaniel’s journey is a descent into madness which threatens to destroy Nathaniel and those whom he loves the most. His only trusted friend, Lothaire, must lead him out of his dark addiction. Sometimes, the only way out is down.

The cast features Dave Belden playing dual roles of Nathaniel’s father and Coppelius. The cast also features Chris Hart as Nathaniel (present), Ben Hertel as Nathaniel (past) and Lothaire, and Simina Contras in the dual roles of Clara and Olympia (the automaton).

The design team features video design by Oracle’s Executive Producer Ben Fuchsen. Puppet design is by Tracy Otwell, who won a 2011 Equity Jeff Award for her design work on Lookingglass’s THE LAST ACT OF LILKA KADISON. Lighting design is by Karen Thompson. Company Member Laura Smith is Assistant Director. The design team also features Jonathan Guillen as Sound Designer, Justin Snyder as Technical Director, Allison Goetzman as Stage Manager. Max Truax and Justin Snyder are Set Designers.