Author Patricia Highsmith’s to Premiere Her Stage Play ‘Switzerland’

“Life imitates art far more than art imitates life,” are the words by playwright Oscar Wilde, which have woven their way through many generations of artists since they’ve been spoken aloud. A prime example of this theory is the upcoming play, “Switzerland,” at The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. Taking the story of psychological thriller crime writer, Patricia Highsmith, known for her fictitious novels like the “Mr. Ripley” series and “Strangers on the Train,” “Switzerland” brings the writer to the stage, where her own psychological thriller escapes the pages of her books and becomes her reality. “Switzerland” will open at The Geffen Playhouse on March 6 and run through April 19.

Inspired by Highsmith’s stories, Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith places Highsmith in her secluded home located in the Swiss Alps. Starting the play with a knock at the door, ominous stranger bursts into Highsmith’s home, dripping with dangerous behavior. As the two duel with their weapons of words and wit, the play takes audiences through a wild succession of trepidation.

A story told by two A-listers, actress Laura Linney is taking on the persona of Patricia Highsmith, while Seth Numerich is transforming himself into Edward, the dark stranger who walks into Highsmith’s private home. A three-time Academy Award nominee, Laura Linney is prominently found on the screen, known for her work in Showtime’s “The Big C,” and HBO’s “John Adams.” Her Broadway credits include “Time Stands Still,” and “The Crucible,” with Liam Neeson. Seth Numerich is known for creating the role of Albert Narracott in Lincoln Center’s “War Horse,” and he can be seen on CBS in “The Good Wife.”

The Geffen Playhouse is one LA’s finest theaters known for integrating classical and modern plays into the theater scene, working with actors of the highest caliber. “Switzerland” will be taking audiences to a new level of entertainment and fear. With eerie characters bringing suspense to the stage, one of Joanna Murray-Smith’s newer plays will have audience members installing peepholes to their front doors before they go to bed that night.

Take a trip to “Switzerland” with The Geffen Playhouse from March 6-April 19. Tickets available online.