In the dimly lit halls of Heritage, the suspense hangs as a new production takes place: the riveting murder mystery, The Brazen Serpent, produced by one of our very own teachers, Charles Hampton. With a chilling plot that revolves around a heinous crime and a cast of complex characters, this play is set to submerge its audience into a world where every shadow hides a secret and every line of dialogue could be a clue. Set in 1870’s New York, this comical mystery will take you through the lives of unique characters from all different backgrounds, ranging from Southern Belles to Pirates to Mad Scientists, who come together to investigate the murder of the wealthy explorer, Cornelius McLeod.
The Weekly Warrior was given the privilege of interviewing Hampton to find a glimpse of his vision for this production. Drawing inspiration from biblical references, particularly the story of The Nehushtan in Numbers 21:4-9 and 2 Kings 18:4, the play revolves around a statue-idol that plays a central role in the unfolding drama. Despite the play’s thematic tapestry, Hampton admits that the title was one of the last elements to come into place, arriving only after the script was nearly complete. He states, “Funny thing was, I wrote 80% of it and was getting to the end and I didn’t know who the murderer was yet.” This information means that the creative journey of “The Brazen Serpent” was marked by significant challenges. Hampton describes a period of intense writer’s block, during which he grappled with questions about the characters and their motivations. “I had a lot of ‘Who is this person?’ and ‘What are their motives?’ moments,” he continues, “I wrote it hopefully so that it could be anybody.”
The play is designed to be interactive, encouraging audience engagement rather than passive observation. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the murder. During the intermission, the audience will have the opportunity to explore different locations in the theater, asking characters questions and figuring out clues. The structure of the play is meticulously crafted:
Act 1
Introduces the characters and the murder with the intermission featuring a clue-finding activity.
Act 2
Lasts 20 minutes with a brief intermission.
Act 3
The murderer is revealed in a climactic 15-minute finale.
The play’s themes extend beyond mere murder mystery tropes. Hampton hints at surprisingly emotional and challenging themes that emerged during writing, including elements of assault. “There are a couple of surprisingly emotional scenes that I was surprised came out of me,” he admits. “Like whoa, where’d that come from?” He describes the process of writing these scenes as “disconcerning”.
Looking ahead, Hampton is preparing for the play, scheduled for November 22-23, 2024. With potential casts and sign-ups around the corner, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Brazen Serpent promises to be a compelling addition to the murder mystery genre, blending historical intrigue with interactive theater. As the production moves forward, it’s clear that the play’s combination of suspense, creativity, and audience participation will make for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Currently, ticket links have not been released, but make sure to go and support your Warriors as soon as they do!
Amazing article Fiona! You’re such a talented writer! You drew me in and made me want to come and see the play 🙂 I’m looking forward to hopefully being able to see it.