Behind every powerful performance at Certain Curtain Theatre, there’s a meticulous creative process , one grounded in empathy, research, and raw honesty. Founders Claire Moore and John Woudberg don’t just write plays; they immerse themselves in the world of their subjects, ensuring that every line and gesture reflects real human experience.
Their writing process begins with listening, to survivors, advocates, and professionals working in the field of domestic abuse and social justice. They take these stories, often filled with pain and silence, and weave them into scripts that speak truth without exploitation. The goal is never to sensationalize but to humanize, to make audiences see the people behind the statistics.
“We want our audiences to feel the heartbeat of the story,”
Claire explains.
“To walk away changed, not because they watched a play, but because they connected to something real.”
Once the writing is complete, the rehearsal process begins, intense, collaborative, and deeply emotional. Claire and John perform their own work, which gives each production a raw authenticity that few companies achieve. Their performances are physical, emotionally charged, and stripped of theatrical excess, drawing the audience into the moment rather than performing at them.
This unique approach has allowed Certain Curtain Theatre to develop an emotional intimacy with their audiences, a rare quality that keeps people coming back. Whether in small community halls, schools, or major venues, their presence fills the room with both tension and tenderness.
Their commitment extends beyond the final curtain. After many performances, they engage directly with audiences, answering questions, listening to reflections, and often connecting survivors to resources or local support services. This human connection turns each production into an act of advocacy, not just art.
“We don’t just perform,”
John adds.
“We start conversations. We want people to look at what they think they know, and see it differently.”
The Power of Purpose
The creative partnership between Claire and John has stood the test of time, not because it’s easy, but because it’s driven by shared purpose. Their courage to tell uncomfortable truths, their compassion for those who have suffered, and their belief in the transformative power of theatre have made Certain Curtain Theatre a voice for the voiceless.
They’ve shown that even with no revenue funding, art can thrive, as long as it’s rooted in integrity and heart.
And as the company continues to tour and touch lives, Claire and John’s mission remains unchanged: to use theatre not as an escape from reality, but as a mirror to it, reflecting back the beauty, the pain, and the possibility of change.
