BRATTLEBORO — For its sixth annual Halloween spectacular, Shoot the Moon theater company will present a live web-streamed performance of What Did I Just See? on two consecutive Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m.
“What Did I Just See? is inspired by the unintended digital voyeurism that has become common due to increased reliance on videoconferencing platforms for business and social gatherings,” STM company artistic director Joshua Moyse said in a news release. “The lead character thinks that they've seen something. Maybe they did, or maybe they didn't?”
Moyse observed that the script updates themes previously explored in short stories such as H.G. Wells's “Through a Window” and Cornell Woolrich's “It Had to Be Murder,” which itself was the source for the Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window.
“We are hoping to put the audience into the lead character's head,” says Moyse, who recommends audience members use personal headphones when watching the performance. “It's not a must, but I think it pushes the show to another level. We are trying to take advantage of the new opportunities that digital theater affords us.”
Company members taking part in this 45-minute performance include Elias Burgess, Josh Goldstein, Colin Grube, Jon Mack, and Jennifer Moyse.
Access to each performance can be found through shootthemoontheater.com. All tickets are by donation, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery. The downtown Brattleboro theater that has served as home base for STM since its inception has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is obviously a difficult time to keep our small theater afloat with expenses continuing and no income,” said Jon Mack, a member of the company and manager of the Hooker-Dunham. “The Hooker-Dunham thrives on audiences who seek quality innovative entertainment, and Shoot the Moon's latest project will be fascinating,”