Parisian horror comes to Concord
Classic tales explore fear and revenge
Post Mortem Players is a concord-area theatre company dedicated to horror, psychological thrillers, cult classics, horror musicals, and the macabre.
Prepare for an evening of theatrical terror as Post Mortem Players invites audiences into the dark and disturbing world of "La Maison des Horreurs: An Evening at the Grand Guignol," running through Nov. 1 at the Wilson Family Black Box Theatre at Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord.
Inspired by the legendary Théâtre du Grand-Guignol in Paris, the production brings six classic horror plays back to the stage in new adaptations from their original French texts. Nicole Panteleakos, who adapted "At the Telephone," says, "The telephone was new technology at the time, and it was a little scary because it was not understood; a modern audience cannot relate to that. But they can relate to the horror of hearing a horrific crime committed over the phone, the helplessness, the desperation, the disbelief."
Audiences will encounter tales of obsession, madness, and gruesome revenge in an immersive theatrical experience that recreates the chilling spirit of the 1920s. Long before horror films brought cinematic terror into movie theatres, the Grand Guignol shocked audiences with its intimate, unsettling stories and startling stage effects. Its legacy helped shape the horror genre, establishing a tradition of psychological suspense and theatrical spectacle that continues to influence horror creators today, according to a news release.
With "La Maison des Horreurs," Post Mortem Players invites audiences to experience this extraordinary chapter of theatre history firsthand.
"The Grand Guignol embodies our mission of exploring fear as a universal human experience," says Artistic Director Chris Stonnell. "It frightened audiences by holding a mirror up to French society, exploring the very real horrors people inflict on one another. By bringing these visceral plays to local audiences, we're demonstrating how horror theatre can be both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling."
Post Mortem Players is a Concord-area theatre company dedicated to horror, psychological thrillers, cult classics, horror musicals, and the macabre. Founded in 2022, the company creates bold theatrical experiences designed to disturb, delight, and linger long after the lights come up. Through classic and contemporary works, Post Mortem Players continues to expand the possibilities of horror onstage for audiences throughout the Charlotte region.
"La Maison des Horreurs: An Evening at the Grand Guignol" is directed by local horror expert Jackie Obando Carter. Performances will take place Oct. 29–Nov. 1 in the Wilson Family Black Box at Old Courthouse Theatre, located at 47 Spring St. NW in Concord. Please note this location is only accessible by stairs. This show is recommended for mature audiences, the release said.
Performance schedule
• Thursday, Oct. 29 — 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 30 — 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 — 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 1 — 2:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $20 to $28. For tickets and additional information, visit https://our.show/guignol.
