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Death has a way of revealing who we truly are. In this captivating episode of Steps to the Stage, we dive deep into one of the most intriguing productions in the Three on the Edge Festival – "Breathing Corpses" by British playwright Laura Wade.
Director Lauren Bell and actors John Nisbet and Amanda Flanagan take us behind the scenes of this darkly comedic play that unfolds in reverse chronological order. Beginning with a hotel maid discovering a dead body, the narrative moves backward through interconnected scenes that reveal how death impacts various characters in profound, absurd, and unexpectedly funny ways.
What makes this production particularly fascinating is the creative team's approach to Wade's distinctively British dialogue. The script captures realistic speech patterns – complete with interruptions, false starts, and natural rhythms – creating challenges for the actors but resulting in an authenticity rarely seen on stage. The cast shares how they've navigated these complexities while maintaining the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak that defines the play.
"Every time the play tries to go deep," Bell explains, "something happens to bring it right back up." This tonal rollercoaster mirrors real life, where even in our darkest moments, absurdity and laughter often break through. The production doesn't shy away from heavy themes – including domestic violence and suicide – but presents them through a lens of human complexity rather than melodrama.
Perfect for the intimate setting of 7th Street Community Theatre, this stripped-back production focuses on the emotional journeys of its characters rather than elaborate staging. As Nisbet notes, without being "encumbered with props or entrances and exits," the actors can fully immerse themselves in the psychological depth of their roles.
Catch "Breathing Corpses" on May 8th, 10th, 16th, with matinees on May 18th and 24th. This 80-minute exploration of mortality and human connection promises to spark conversation long after the final blackout – you may even want to see it twice to catch all the connections you missed the first time around.

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