Overview
In Go Back to Where You Are God offers Passalus, a failed actor from ancient Athens festering in hell, the opportunity of redemption by returning to Earth to free a young woman from her domineering mother, Claire, a distinguished stage actress. Passalus accepts the proposal with the understanding that on completing his mission his soul be annihilated. God agrees – with the caveat that Passalus not become entangled in the lives of others. Granted the ability to shape-shift, Passalus assumes the role of a British matron and former actress, arriving at Claire’s summer home during a week-end in which she is hosting friends and family. But Passalus is also equipped to hear the inner thoughts of the characters he encounters – and armed with knowledge of their suffering is unable to remain aloof. He also finds himself falling in love with Claire’s brother, Bernard, the underappreciated author of eccentric comedies. The play dramatizes second chances in love – and love that facilitates the soul’s release from hell into life again.