@ghostkingdom

“The story of adoption is a ghost story, full of fantasy, mystery, and missing persons, who, for the most part, are “as if” dead, unlike respectable ghosts, who are unambiguously dead.

These ghosts spring from the depths of the unresolved grief, loss, and trauma that (the adoption triad) has experienced. They represent the lost babies, the parents who lost them, and the parents who found them. Too dangerous to be allowed into consciousness, they are consigned to a spectral place I call the Ghost Kingdom. Search and reunion is an attempt by adoptees to reconnect with the ghost mother and father, and live the alternate life.”

-Betty Jean Lifton, Ph.D

The Play that Was Never Performed

A Death…
In January 2020, writer/actor Brian Stanton and Director Drina Durazo began rehearsing Stanton’s original solo play @ghostkingdom with a premiere set for Oct.4, 2020 at Theatre Row on 42nd St. Off-Broadway.
Alas COVID!!!

Photo Credit: Brenda Stanton

Untitled_1.15.3.jpg — A Rebirth…

In an effort to prevent his play from becoming a ghost, Stanton & Durazo agreed to keep their creative wheels spinning by filming the piece.
The playscript was adapted to be more camera friendly yet still maintain its theatricality.
Stanton & wife Brenda downloaded the FilmicPro App on their iPhones and became a 2 person COVID crew.

The Play that Became a Motion Picture

Editor Matthew Herrier & Colorist Michael Hamill helped to put the pieces together and solidify the look

Untitled_1.419.3.jpg

@GK_recording.JPG

Singer/Songwriter Jenni (AKA Cami) Alpert composed a score adding to the emotional depth. Recorded and mixed by Stevie Blacke at Launchpad Studios. Mastered by Eric Boulanger at Bakery Mastering.