ROSCOE, NY — The Catskill Public Theater, a pay-what-you-wish live theater, will launch its 2024 season with the premiere of “Terror.” The play opens on Tuesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. on the Roscoe Fireman’s Field. 

The performance invites audiences to deliberate on a matter of national security, personal responsibility and the complex nature of duty.

“Terror,” written by Ferdinand Von Schirach and directed by Leon J. Van Dyke, unfolds within the high-stakes environment of a military tribunal. The play scrutinizes the actions of a USAF fighter pilot who makes the harrowing decision to shoot down a commercial airliner, carrying 170 passengers, to prevent a terrorist attack—reminiscent of 9/11—on a packed sports stadium. The question posed to the audience: Is the pilot a murderer, or is he a disciplined, professional warrior acting in the defense of his country?

The audience is the jury. During intermission, audience members will cast their votes to determine the pilot’s innocence or guilt. This decision directly influences the course of the performance, with two distinct second acts prepared to reflect the verdict of the jurors.

Each of the nine performances will feature people from the community acting as a guest judge. Audiences can expect to see Paul Ciliberto of Bold Gold Media, District 1 legislator Matthew McPhillips, Eugene Thalmann of Sprouting Dreams Farms and Bradlyn Matican of Insight Cipher.

“Terror” showcases the talents of the cast and crew, and also challenges viewers to confront their own moral and ethical boundaries.

Additional performances will be held on July 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25.

The Catskill Public Theater is a 501(c)(3) approved not-for-profit public charity dedicated to bringing high-quality theatrical productions to the community, fostering engagement, discussion and education through the arts.

For information, visit catskillpublictheater.com, call 844/752-9748, or email CatskillPublicTheater@gmail.com. Purchase tickets at www.myrivertickets.com/organizations/catskill-public-theater.