A seasoned vet with the Dionysus Cup, Darren Callahan comes back for his second go ‘round with Polarity. In fact, the first Cup was successful enough for him that Polarity is producing the world premiere his work The White Airplane in February 2009. (A staged reading of that play will be the final performance of this Dionysus Cup on Sunday, November 23 at 2 PM).

Darren hopes his new play, The Double Negative, holds “the same epic quality” as The White Airplane, though the two couldn’t be more different. Whereas The White Airplane was a surrealist mystery, The Double Negative is a historical melodrama. Having drama produced with the BBC and the Sci-Fi Channel, NPR and Radio Pacifica, Darren has only been writing for the stage since 2004. Darren understands the benefits with a workshop process such as the Cup.

“I think the main thing that helps a playwright improve a piece for stage is not just having it read,” he says, “but having it read well. It’s a great thrill working again with Polarity because their cast and crew are top drawer.”

Known for underground novels, films, radio drama, and a slew of indie rock albums, Darren continues to bring new work to the stage. His latest—and pull up Wikipedia for this one—is a stage adaptation of a very obscure Boris Karloff thriller from the 30s, re-titled Mass Grave. “It’s a fantastic story that I think will really affect a modern audience, and I’m excited to see where this one goes. I think it can stand alongside any of my other works, such as the ones Polarity has championed.”

Working as an artist in Chicago certainly has given Darren some success. He’s had other works produced, staged and read throughout the city. “Chicago is great for drama,” he said. “It’s also easy to stand out. All you have to do is avoid kitchen sink dramas. Realism is out. I’m fascinated by the hybrid of stage and film. People want escape as well as something that connects.”

2007’s production of Darren’s Horror Academy for Chicago’s Babes With Blades enjoyed a sold out run and was highlighted by the Chicago Tribune as “terrifying” and the #1 genre play to see last fall. Darren helps the cause of his recognition with unconventional characters, settings, themes…you name it. “I recommend going straight for exploding watermelons, spaceships and time travel,” he said. “There’s frankly not enough surprise in modern plays.”

All Dionysos Cup performances will take place at Polarity Ensemble Theatre's new space in residence at the Josephinum Academy, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago. Click here for more details.

Polarity Ensemble member Travis Gauchay recently interviewed the playwrights of the Dionysos Cup, our upcoming Festival of New Plays. The festival also features David Alex, Bryce Wissel and Lisa Rosenthal. This is the third in the series of profiles.