"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."

-- H.P. Lovecraft

"Fascinating"! The "stand-out" of DramaRama 8!

-Dalt Wonk, Gambit Weekly New Orleans (1/30/01) read entire review

"Effectively and brilliantly conceived... a unique and mesmerizing production."

-Patrick Shannon, III, Ambush Mag (4/05) read entire review

One of the "Best Bets of the Week!"

-David Lee Simmons, Gambit Weekly New Orleans (3/27/01)

H.P. Lovecraft, 1890-1937

Howard Phillips Lovecraft's darkly intense 1921 story is of a young man who recalls his days as an impoverished student in a dismal, anonymous city in Europe. While residing in a decrepit apartment building in a mysterious district called the Rue d'Auseil, he befriends an old German viol-player named Erich Zann, who lives on the floor above. As the young man discovers Zann's inhuman music emanating from the upper rooms, he descends into a world of obsession, madness, and a terrifying presence from an alternate realm.

Our project was seen in the Italian publication HorrorMagazine at www.horrormagazine.it/notizie/787, and the cast was featured in a live interview on 90.7 WWOZ-FM (www.wwoz.org) on 4/15/05!

A theatre performance based on Lovecraft's story, using multimedia video projection, mask, surrealistic movement, storytelling, and a haunting mix of original and existing music. Project directed and designed (scenic and costume arts) from Lovecraft's story by Amy Woodruff. Video/Audio projection designs by Amy Woodruff with Chrispin Barnes. The approximate running time is one hour (no intermission), and the age recommendation is 12+ (for some disturbing content).

Past Performances

December 2-3, 2005: McNeese University Theatre of Lake Charles, Louisiana (www.mcneese.edu). With Amy Woodruff as The Narrator, Blake Buchert as Erich Zann, and John Tiliakos as Monsieur Blandot.

April 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2005: Zeitgeist Arts Center of New Orleans (www.zeitgeistinc.net). With Amy Woodruff as The Narrator, Kevin M. Lee as Erich Zann, and John Tiliakos as Monsieur Blandot. Sponsored in part by: Quizno's Subs of Veterans Blvd, Slice Pizzeria, Surrey's Café & Juice Bar, and Juan's Flying Burrito.

March 28-31, 2001: The Pickery Art Space of New Orleans. With Amy Woodruff as The Narrator and Chris Genua as Erich Zann/Monsieur Blandot. The Creative Consultant was Sara Schaefer. Sponsored in part by: Juan's Flying Burrito.

January 20, 2001, Debut: Eighth Annual New Orleans DramaRama Festival (in the Bank One Theatre of the Contemporary Arts Center, www.dramarama.org). With Amy Woodruff as The Narrator and Chris Genua as Erich Zann/Monsieur Blandot. The Creative Consultant was Sara Schaefer.

View breathtaking production stills of The Music of Erich Zann (2005) by clicking on thumbnails, below:

All photographic images used on this website are the property of Theatre Louisiane and may not be used without consent.