Dark Comedy Explores Eccentric Life and Controversial Legacy of Walt Disney

Lucas Hnath's dark comedy "A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney," co-produced by Soulpepper and Outside the March in Toronto, examines the complex life and legacy of the iconic figure through a fictional screenplay reading. The play, directed by Mitchell Cushman, features an ensemble cast including Diego Matamoros as Walt Disney, along with Anand Rajaram, Tony Ofori, and Katherine Cullen.

The unusual premise of the play is that Walt Disney himself is presenting the screenplay, adding stage directions in real-time and attempting to gloss over unpleasant scenes in his life. "A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney" investigates the darker aspects of Disney's life, including his participation in anti-communist witch hunts and flirtation with fascism. The production is staged in an immersive theater setting that enhances the play's themes and atmosphere.

Hnath's play portrays Disney as a Machiavellian megalomaniac, manipulating his family and railing against his brother. While serving as an indictment of American power, greed, and capitalism, the framing device of a play-within-a-play is not entirely successful, as it takes the portrayal of Disney to extremes at times. The co-production, though mostly gripping with detailed staging, feels somewhat over-staged in the latter half.

The story follows Walt Disney's struggle to conquer death through various means, including preserving his reputation, ensuring his company's longevity, and even the cryonic preservation of his remains. Innovative theatrical devices, such as Walt's ability to manipulate scenes by calling "cut" and a turntable set design, keep the action dynamic. "A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney" presents a portrait of Disney that is both comically exaggerated and painfully accurate, examining his complex and often contradictory persona.

Diego Matamoros delivers a commanding performance as Walt Disney, capturing the iconic figure's eccentricities and darker aspects. The supporting cast, including Anand Rajaram, Tony Ofori, and Katherine Cullen, bring depth to their roles as they navigate the play's shifting dynamics and meta-theatrical elements.

Why this matters: Lucas Hnath's dark comedy offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most influential and controversial figures in American culture. By examining the complex legacy of Walt Disney, the play raises important questions about the nature of power, ambition, and the dark side of the American dream.

Key Takeaways

• Dark comedy examines complex life and legacy of Walt Disney.
• Play portrays Disney as Machiavellian, manipulative, and flirting with fascism.
• Innovative staging devices, like a turntable set, keep the action dynamic.
• Diego Matamoros delivers a commanding performance as Walt Disney.
• Play raises questions about power, ambition, and the dark side of the American dream.