The Deadly Game
Directors Notes
by Patricia Goodman

The Deadly Game is a stage adaptation of the novel Trapps by Friedrich Durrenmatt, an apt title considering the many traps which are laid (and sprung) throughout. Beginning with the setting, a secluded chalet in a remote region of the Swiss Alps, and the weather outside, a raging blizzard, play along in this deadly game and see just how many “traps” you can spy. Interesting to ponder!

The Deadly Game was made into a movie in 1982, bringing together the considerable talents of George Segal as Howard Trapp, Trevor Howard as Gustave Kummer, Robert Morley as Emile Carpeau, Emlyn Williams as Bernard LaRoque and Alan Webb as Joseph Pillet. Leslie Dunlop played Nicole, Brian Croucher appeared as Pierre, Connie Booth as Helen Trapp. The movie made the HBO rounds, but has not appeared in the listings lately, to my knowledge. There is actually an online site where you can vote to have this movie aired. (Type “The Deadly Game” or “Trapps” in your search engine.)

I first read this play about fifteen years ago, and have been “dying” to direct it ever since. My gratitude to Wade Wood and “The Vic” for giving me the opportunity!