Delving into horror and science fiction, Unsweet Perdition explores the substance of reality in an experimental form.
Astrid Kelvin (Grace Nix) is the new hire at the Danbury Hydroelectric Power and Treatment facility, where she meets a string of eccentric co-workers and characters. Similar to Alice in Wonderland, Astrid enters a rabbit hole, a space so strange that even the facility becomes sentient. In that allegorical environment, she has to ask herself: Is this soluble? Am I soluble? Where Am I?
Playwright Evan Spreen‘s play uses literary elements of the New Weird, an evolution of genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In Unsweet Perdition, spiritual awakening, filtration of pain, and dissolving memories are represented in numbers, items, and stories told by the characters.
If you are not familiar with SCP Foundation, House of Leaves, or Annihilation, you’re missing out. They’re a whole separate universe with a considerable following. Spreen adds a special piece to the growing body of work of New Weird artists. He has created symbols to reflect realities in a poetic expression of otherworldliness. Highlighting the suspense and endearing memories depicted in the play, the music is an engaging character that deepens the connection between the characters and their experiences. Another factor to consider is the amazing performances of the actors, bringing alive the weirdness and quirkiness of the characters.
Due to the abstract nature of the genre, the play is geared towards a niche audience, but within that commercial limitation, the play is a well-crafted example of experimental theatre. It’s evocative and surreal, just like a dream aimed to enlighten us.
Unsweet Perdition
The Madnani Theater
6760 Lexington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Thursday August 28 2025, 8:30 PM
Written & Directed by Evan Spreen
Produced by Michelle Belmont
Cast: Grace Nix, Sean James, Jeremy D. Thompson, Michelle Belmont, Naomi Melville, and Athena Reddy.
Music by Ian Sutherland. Lighting by Jeremy D. Thompson. Assistant Director Justine Lang. Graphic Designer Dan Mathis.
