Step into the world of a dark comedy and explore the life of one man who faces scrutiny all because of storytelling.

“It’s a play that addresses censorship and literary freedom,” said Dina Canup, publicity coordinator and undergraduate administrator for the Depart-ment of Theatre and Film Studies. “It is a bit of a dark play but very thought provoking,” she said.

“The Pillowman,” which opens tonight at the Cellar Theatre, follows the story of a writer who is questioned by police after a series of violent acts. The writer, Katurian K. Katurian, played by Brandon Wentz, a graduate student in the theater department, writes disturbing stories about cruelty to children. But when police investigate child murders that appear to have links to his stories, his work is condemned.

“It really examines the behavior of people in this situation and theater teaches us about the human condition,” said Mirla Criste, director of The Pillowman. “It’s important for us not to avoid seeing plays that are dark and disturbing,” Criste said.

The ensemble cast are all theater majors, and the parts and characters provide interesting investigations for students, Criste said.

“Students really get to see some high quality acting . we’re providing first class entertainment in a stripped down format,” Canup said. “For students who want a thought provoking play on a budget, this may for them.”

Criste also said that this time of the year is great for a production like The Pillowman.

“And also because it’s Halloween and we all need to be shaken up a little bit,” she said.