What follows is a Q&A Interview with Melissa Parker, author of Neon Gaslight, conducted by Richard Young. In collaboration with Odesa Company, a staged reading of Neon Gaslight will be held at Manor Park Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 25.
Q. Tell me about Neon Gaslight – Backstory, author, inspiration.
Neon Gaslight is a contemporary adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s classic 1938 thriller Gas Light, the work that ultimately gave us the term “gaslighting.” The adaptation is written by me, London-based playwright Melissa Parker, and reimagines the story through a more modern lens, exploring coercive control, manipulation, truth, and power in today’s world (well, the 80s).
The project emerged from a desire to revisit a story that remains relevant. While the original play focused on psychological manipulation within a marriage, Neon Gaslight expands the conversation to reflect contemporary experiences of emotional abuse, misinformation, and the ways people can be made to doubt their own reality. As someone deeply committed to feminism and social justice, I was interested in exploring how this story could spark dialogue about issues that continue to affect women and marginalized communities today.
The adaptation is being developed in collaboration with Odesa Theatre Company and an incredible team of artists who have brought their creativity, insight, and passion to the process.
Q. What prompted you to write this piece?
The inspiration came from two places. First, I have always been fascinated by the original Gas Light and the enduring cultural impact it has had. Few plays have contributed a term to our everyday language in the way that “gaslighting” has.
Second, I was seeing examples of manipulation, misinformation, and abuse of power everywhere — from personal relationships to broader social and political conversations. I wanted to explore how these dynamics operate today and create a piece that asks audiences to consider what happens when someone systematically undermines another person’s sense of self and reality.
At its heart, this work is about resilience, reclaiming one’s voice and the importance of believing people when they share their experiences.
Q. Could you provide a brief plot synopsis?
Set in the glow of contemporary urban life, Neon Gaslight follows Bella, a woman who begins to question her memory, judgment and perception as off-putting events unfold around her. As those closest to her dismiss her concerns, she finds herself trapped in an increasingly confusing and isolating reality.
With the help of an unexpected ally, Bella begins to unravel a web of manipulation and discovers that the truth may be far different from what she has been led to believe. The story blends suspense, psychological drama, and social commentary while examining how power can be used to control — and how courage can help reclaim it.
Q. What sets this production apart from others?
This adaptation takes a familiar classic and places it firmly in a more modern setting. While it honours the tension and suspense of the original story, it also engages directly with contemporary conversations around coercive control, gender-based violence, mental health, and the social conditions that allow manipulation to flourish.
Another unique aspect is the development process itself. This staged reading is not simply a performance; it’s part of an ongoing creative dialogue. Audience members will have an opportunity to share feedback and help shape the future evolution of the work.
We’re also proud to be partnering with community organizations whose missions align with the themes of the play, helping to connect art with meaningful social impact.
Q. What can audiences expect from the staged reading?
Audiences can expect a compelling first look at a new Canadian work in development. The reading will feature Julianna Goertzen as Bella and Sam Didi as Jack, Izzy Siebert as Liz, Tessa Dang as Nan, Robin Shugar-Pollock as Mrs. Rough and Dan Curtis as Mr. Rough, bringing
these complex and dynamic characters to life while allowing audiences to engage with the story in its formative stages.
Working alongside Odesa Theatre Company, the cast will guide audiences through a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story that explores manipulation and reclaiming one’s voice.
Following the reading, attendees will be invited to participate in a feedback discussion. Their insights will help inform future revisions and contribute directly to the development of the piece.
It’s an opportunity not only to experience theatre, but to become part of the creative process.
Q. When do you hope to perform the show?
The staged reading on July 25 is an important milestone in the development of the project. Following audience feedback and continued script development, the goal is to move toward a fully staged production in the coming year.
We are currently exploring partnerships, venues, and production opportunities that will allow the work to reach broader audiences while maintaining its strong community connections and social impact focus.
Q. Is there anything else you think readers should know about the show?
One of the things I’m most excited about is how this project brings together artists, community organizations, and audiences around a shared conversation. While Neon Gaslight is a suspenseful and entertaining theatrical experience, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on issues that continue to affect many women and families.
Proceeds from the staged reading will support the Women’s Rural Resource Centre, helping to advance services and supports for women in our community. The themes of the play align closely with the work of organizations that advocate for safety, empowerment and equity, making this partnership especially meaningful.
The staged reading takes place on Saturday, July 25 at Manor Park Memorial Hall in London, Ontario, and admission is by donation. We encourage people to RSVP, attend the reading and take part in the post-show discussion. Audience feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of this new work, and we’d love for the community to be part of that journey from the very beginning.
Website: neongaslight.ca
NEON GASLIGHT — STAGED READING
Saturday, July 25
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Manor Park Memorial Hall
11 Briscoe Street West
Join us for a staged reading of “Neon Gaslight”, an adaptation by Melissa Parker inspired by Patrick Hamilton’s classic psychological thriller “Gaslight”, developed in collaboration with Odesa Company.
Set against the neon glow and cultural backdrop of the 1980s, “Neon Gaslight” explores manipulation, control, domestic abuse, memory and the slow unraveling of truth inside a seemingly perfect household. Darkly funny, unsettling and painfully relevant, this new adaptation reimagines the story for a modern audience while examining the devastating effects of emotional abuse and gaslighting.
CAST
Bella — Julianna Goertzen
Jack — Sam Didi
Liz — Izzy Siebert
Nan — Tessa Dang
Mrs. Rough — Robin Shugar-Pollock
Mr. Rough — Dan Curtis
Entry to the staged reading will be by donation, with proceeds supporting the Women’s Rural Resource Centre.
Following the reading, audiences are invited to stay for a feedback and discussion session as the creative team continues developing the script toward a full production planned for 2027.
Whether you love theatre, psychological thrillers, new Canadian works, or supporting conversations around women’s experiences and abuse awareness, we invite you to be part of this important stage in the creative process.
RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/fnVnAZnWF6AQSvpQ7
The Beat Magazine 2025 