Excerpts from Out the Window:

Every great tale needs a problem, but what makes a performance rich, is the particular attempt made in the solving of that’s story’s problem. Liza Balkan’s Out the Window, developed mainly as part of The Theatre Centre’s Residency Program succeeds in taking on this task. Balkan’s script, packed with textual authenticity, stems from her access to court transcripts, personal interviews and diaries. Some content remains exact while other pieces were edited in helping to best unravel the problem... This highly emotional ride is not a work of fiction.

Back in 2000, Liza Balkan was coming home to her apartment from a party and noticed mayhem nearby. She glanced out her window, not unlike James Stewart in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.” A harrowing moment observed: an inner city strip mall setting, where a group of police officers were seen beating a man by the name of Otto Vass. Mr. Vass died soon after. It is important to note that the victim had a history of poor physical health, mental instability, and past criminal negligence.

Caroline Azar is a Dramaturge, Story Editor and Director who runs the Archival Repertory Workshop (www.carolineazar.com). Recently featured in the documentary film about the post punk performance group FIFTH COLUMN in the world premiere of SHE SAID BOOM: THE FIFTH COLUMN STORY.

Playwrights' POV is PGC's new online journal, providing members with a platform to explore and discuss compelling and inspirational work by fellow playwrights.

Click the link below to download the whole article as a PDF.

PlaywrightsPOV_OutTheWindow.pdf