Last night, through a series of lucky coincidences, I got to attend the preview showing of The Black Rider at A.C.T. here in San Francisco. (Thanks, Dinah!)

The Black Rider is many things: An old German folk tale about a Faustian bargain; a collaboration between Tom Waits, William Burroughs, and Robert Wilson; some of the strangest (and best) music you'll ever hear in a musical; and one of the most disturbing things I've ever seen on a stage.

The whole performance had this dreamlike quality. And by "dreamlike" I don't mean soft focus billowy clouds, I mean, when you're watching it, it feels like you're witnessing someone's bad dream. The way people move and speak, the way things seem to fit together in a totally fractured way, the way you quietly begin to pray you'll wake up soon.

I've seen stage shows that have inspired me, annoyed me, and entertained me ... but never one that gave me nightmares. The Black Rider did all of the above.

If you live in San Francisco and you like theatre that travels to dark places and pokes you in the gut, don't miss this show.

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