Las llaves del diablo

Museum Catalog Note *Las llaves del diablo* (The Devil's Keys) by Ralph Barby is an avant-garde theatrical horror narrative. The experimental theater group Life College, led by director Maurice Lawal, stages an unconventional production at a commercial theater owned by manager Charrow, who skeptically grants them one week. During the premiere, actor Hugo Foundling makes a dramatic entrance from above wearing a skeleton mask and black robe as a death symbol, but the rope around his neck catches violently, causing an actual hanging. The audience witnesses a genuine tragedy; Foundling's suicide note is later revealed, exculpating all others and expressing his worldweariness. The narrative continues with his funeral at a cemetery section for non-believers and the unbeliever deceased, attended by fellow troupe members in cold, sleet-heavy weather, where the sexton requests a gratuity for completing the burial alone.