Shawn Mahler's Blog
October 6, 2025
Scenes From A Bad Film: Wrap Up
Scenes from a Bad Film: Lived Out in Real Time has come to an end, marking one of the most ambitious and rewarding undertakings in Nagoya Players’ 50-year history. All four performances played to sold-out audiences—a testament to the community’s growing enthusiasm for original and experimental theatre. Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and we continue to receive thoughtful questions and insightful reflections from those who attended. It has been deeply gratifying to witness such a strong response to a new, fringe production.
Creating new work is a daunting, yet fulfilling, challenge. It demands not only a deep knowledge of the craft but also an extraordinary degree of trust from everyone involved. To the cast—thank you for that trust. This production asked much of you: courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to engage with difficult and, at times, provocative material. Your performances were remarkable. We have received a flood of praise for the acting, precision, and emotional depth you brought to the stage. Please know how deeply indebted I am to each of you for your artistry and commitment.
My sincere gratitude to Robert Beatty and Stephen Peck for their exceptional music. Their compositions provided an atmosphere and musical architecture that held the entire show together—a score that moved in perfect sympathy with the shifting emotional currents of the play. To Stephen, also, for his original artwork that so vividly rendered the interior landscape of Adam’s mind—it remains one of the production’s most striking visual achievements.
Special thanks to Valeriya Takazato, whose choreography elevated the production to another plane of expression. Her work brought physical and emotional dimension to moments that words alone could not convey. Those dance sequences will endure in our memories.
I also want to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Hannah Jutting, our Stage Manager, and Agus Ardisana, our Props Master. You made our lives immeasurably easier and kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. It’s no small task managing a production with so many moving parts—thank you for doing it with such grace and good humor.
My thanks as well to Ritsuko Shiraki for the mesmerizing lighting design, and to Chifumi Arima and Yoshiko Matsushima for their incredible work on the subtitles. And Anima for running our sound board. It takes a team of dedicated, talented individuals to bring such a complex show to life, and I’m deeply grateful to all of you.
And to eStudio Marzo and Taka—our profound thanks. This production simply could not have been realized without their generosity, hospitality, and unwavering belief in the project. Marzo provided not only a stage but a creative sanctuary for experimentation and discovery.
The success of Scenes from a Bad Film is a powerful affirmation. It demonstrates that there is both space and appetite for original, fringe theatre in Nagoya. It inspires us to continue developing bold, unconventional work that challenges form and expectation.
To everyone who attended, engaged, and shared in this experiment—thank you.
— Shawn Mahler
Writer & Director, Scenes from a Bad Film: Lived Out in Real Time
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September 14, 2025
WELCOME TO DOOMSCROLL THEATER
First, I must apologize for the long silence on this website. It’s actually been a few years since my last post—not because I stopped working, but because I’ve been working too much. Since that last update, I’ve produced and directed several theater productions, written multiple scripts, and poured countless hours into my next novel—an epic fantasy of truly epic proportions. With luck, that book will see the light of day very soon.
In the meantime, I’ve done what I always seem to do: thrown myself into another massive project. My latest play is one I’m especially proud of, and I’m thrilled to share that it has recently sold out. I’m posting here now to let people know about my recent work and the new ground we’re breaking in theater.
So, while the website has been quiet, the work has never stopped. Thank you for your patience. There’s a lot more coming soon.
– Shawn
WELCOME TO DOOMSCROLL THEATER
When I began working on Scenes From a Bad Film: Lived Out in Real Time, I wasn’t interested in crafting another conventional play. I wanted to stage an experience—something that emulates the fractured, divisive condition of our world.
Modern life does not play out in neatly structured arcs. Cathartic resolutions are a rare commodity. Our day-to-day has become a blurred, murky soup of ugly, beautiful, terrifying, stupendous, shameful, inspiring moments.
Storytelling is ever-evolving. From the Greek dramas of Dionysus to the umpteenth reboot of Spider-Man, the needs of the storytellers and the appetites of the audience are constantly shifting. The Hollywood formula is perhaps the most polished, easily digestible story structure we’ve devised, yet even that grows stale. For over a century we’ve gorged ourselves on a hollow diet of relatable heroes, distressed damsels, archetypal villains, and happy endings. This type of narrative fare no longer excites the receptors. But do not fret–something new is on the menu, and it’s a thousand times more addictive than the old formula.
The algorithm can satisfy any craving. It knows you–and what you want. Every minute of every day, on demand and in our hands, it delivers a steady stream of curated randomness tuned to our innermost desires. The stories it offers are bite-sized, protein-packed, and deceptively filling.
Scenes From A Bad Film is built on a “multi-narrative” structure, a form that blends old Hollywood with the new algorithm. Examples include films like Magnolia or Babel, or Caryl Churchill’s play Love and Information. These works interweave multiple, seemingly unrelated storylines until they converge with one another. I wondered whether I could take the form further—adapt it more fully for theater in the digital age.
With the advent of doomscrolling, audiences have trained themselves to engage with multi-narratives. They can follow disparate characters, events, and stories told in rapid bursts with remarkable ease. We no longer need every gap filled in; a century of Hollywood formula has conditioned us to anticipate what came before and what comes next. All we really want are the good bits–the juicy, titillating, dopamine-hitting fragments.
But innovative structure alone does not make a play. I wanted to capture the doom we’re consuming nightly, to give it physical form and bring the inane, mundane, and insane crashing together. The goal was to find the through-line which binds clips of war and famine to cheesecake recipes and cat memes.
In the writing of Scenes From A Bad Film, there were a million different threads to pull, but for practical purposes I limited myself to five: kink, family dysfunction, sexuality and identity, the blue-collar, and drug-use. Weaving these distinct narratives together–each with its own main characters and themes–was more intriguing than challenging. The trick was finding the center. In this tangled web of relationships, lines cross at odd angles yet ultimately converge on a unifying idea. Understanding that core is what makes multi-narratives possible. That same knowledge is what fuels the algorithm, and unleashes its limitless power.
When we accept that nothing happens in isolation, divorce ourselves from the fantasies of Hollywood’s perfect bubbles, and embrace the connectedness of our linked minds, only then can we enter the matrix of this new storytelling era–and evolve with it.
SCENES FROM A BAD FILM: LIVED OUT IN REAL TIMEScenes From a Bad Film has been in production for the past eight months, and I’m incredibly excited to debut it here in Nagoya, Japan. We have a cast of wonderfully talented veterans and newcomers, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has embraced this experimental format and helped bring this vision to life. I believe audiences are really going to enjoy it.
Theater in the digital age faces tremendous challenges. I’ve said it many times before, especially in regards to amateur theater, but I do fear it is a dying art. Perhaps this play is one attempt to breathe new life into it—adapting it for an era where entertainment is fought over on streaming platforms, the internet, and the algorithm. Attention has become a precious commodity, and theater must learn to adapt to the ways people now consume stories. I hope this play does its part.
The show is currently sold out, and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who secured their tickets. It means a great deal to me and to Nagoya Players. We could not attempt this kind of boundary-pushing theater without your support. Hopefully in the future we can bring this show back—or stage a new version—so more people can experience the Doomscroll.
Shawn Mahler
Creative Director, Nagoya Players
Writer, Director, Producer, Scenes From A Bad Film: Lived Out In Real Time
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September 20, 2022
Multicultural Lecture Series, Gifu Shotoku Gakuen
Special thanks to Gifu Shotoku Gakuen for inviting Nagoya Players to participate in its series of multicultural lectures.
NP’s Artistic Director, Shawn Mahler, will give a presentation in English about the history of Nagoya Players, the evolution of English-Language theater, and how it can benefit Japanese audiences, as well as language learners.
The lecture is open to the public. Space is limited. If you’d like to attend please contact Prof. Thompson for more information. The lecture will be given in English at an intermediate level. Q&A will follow the presentation.
This is a great lecture for anyone who wants to learn more about theater, and how performance training and skills can aid you in your everyday life and work. Please join us!
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November 7, 2021
Book Discussion at Imaike Library Club
Writer, director and producer Shawn Mahler will lead an informal discussion about his debut novel Chizawa Bay at Imaike Library Club on Nov. 28th.
Chizawa Bay is a slice-of-life novel set in a small, rural seaside community in central Japan. The story dives into the hearts and minds of the residents and explores their relationships and worldviews.
Throughout the novel many life-philosophies unique to Japanese culture are presented. These philosophies will be the topic of our discussion. You won’t need to have read the novel to join this event. We have selected a few chapters to focus our discussion. We ask that everyone attending familiarize themselves with the following chapters and their themes before the event:
Chapter 6 – Life PurposeChapter 13 – Spirituality in JapanChapter 17 – Racism in JapanChizawa Bay covers a wide array of philosophical topics and themes, but we’ll be using these as our springboard. For anyone who doesn’t own a copy of the book the selected chapters will be available upon request. Please send your request via this form.
Space is limited to 10 seats per session. Please RSVP early to ensure your seat. Multiple sessions may be created based on demand. This event is open to library members and non-members alike, so feel free to send the sign-up link to anyone you think would be interested.
Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/EytZVp2fScSY8JKY8
This is an English-speaking event, but we do encourage intermediate~advanced English learners to participate. It will be a good opportunity to discuss art and literature in an open and friendly environment. We’d love to have Japanese participants involved in the discussion to share their thoughts and feelings on the novel and its themes.
The event is free of charge, but donations of ¥500 will be accepted for the upkeep and maintenance of the library. Free coffee will be provided.
The post Book Discussion at Imaike Library Club appeared first on Shawn Mahler.
Book Discussion at Imaike Library Club
Writer, director and producer Shawn Mahler will lead an informal discussion about his debut novel Chizawa Bay at Imaike Library Club on Nov. 28th.
Chizawa Bay is a slice-of-life novel set in a small, rural seaside community in central Japan. The story dives into the hearts and minds of the residents and explores their relationships and worldviews.
Throughout the novel many life-philosophies unique to Japanese culture are presented. These philosophies will be the topic of our discussion. You won’t need to have read the novel to join this event. We have selected a few chapters to focus our discussion. We ask that everyone attending familiarize themselves with the following chapters and their themes before the event:
Chapter 6 – Life PurposeChapter 13 – Spirituality in JapanChapter 17 – Racism in JapanChizawa Bay covers a wide array of philosophical topics and themes, but we’ll be using these as our springboard. For anyone who doesn’t own a copy of the book the selected chapters will be available upon request. Please send your request via this form.
Space is limited to 10 seats per session. Please RSVP early to ensure your seat. Multiple sessions may be created based on demand. This event is open to library members and non-members alike, so feel free to send the sign-up link to anyone you think would be interested.
Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/EytZVp2fScSY8JKY8
This is an English-speaking event, but we do encourage intermediate~advanced English learners to participate. It will be a good opportunity to discuss art and literature in an open and friendly environment. We’d love to have Japanese participants involved in the discussion to share their thoughts and feelings on the novel and its themes.
The event is free of charge, but donations of ¥500 will be accepted for the upkeep and maintenance of the library. Free coffee will be provided.
The post Book Discussion at Imaike Library Club appeared first on Shawn Mahler.
November 1, 2021
Beavers, Dams, & Continuum
A beaver is not taught, instructed or shown what a dam is, what it’s for, or how to build one. Upon birth a beaver knows everything there is to know. This is not fiction. Lars Wilsson first observed this phenomenon in his work, My Beaver Colony (1968). Wilsson’s experiments were the first of their kind. He was able to demonstrate that beavers, who were completely separated and segregated from their families at birth, were instinctively able to build dams independent of any influence. It was the early days of beaver research and even now we still don’t understand how they’ve come into the world with full knowledge of all they have to do. The best guess is that the sound of rushing water triggers ancient memories in their minds which sets them upon their task.
For better or worse, humans are not beavers. Everything in our lives has to be taught and shown to us. We can’t build dams on our own. But yet, we too have been gifted a kind of eternal knowledge. It’s a rather impractical knowledge that has created a considerable amount of uncertainty and angst. Humans have a profound sense of an everlasting continuum. We inherently know that life came before us and that there will be life long after we’ve departed. We are also cognizant that our time on earth is limited. That even after we expire as individuals, the world will keep spinning. We are each just one minuscule blip on the radar of eternity. A beaver knows how to build a dam. We know that life is without end.
There are plenty of fascinating tidbits that separate the animal world from the human’s. Whether it’s tool making or the gift of reason, humans have placed themselves on a pretty high pedestal. There are roughly 5,000 years of recorded history. And before that, runes and paintings and scrawl marks of unknown age documented our stories. Across all of that time and language there is a constant. A conundrum that the greatest and lowest among us have wrestled with. The prickly issue of mortality. The latest estimate puts the number at 108 billion human lives that have started and stopped on earth. It’s always difficult to relate personally to such massive figures. It is impossible to take those 108 billion lives and consider them each in turn. But some innate force within us acknowledges that all the life that came before us is a part of us now. And that when we transpire, we will become part of humanity’s future.
What good is there in having such knowledge? Well, as contrary as our behavior appears at times, this knowledge is what preserves us. The idea that life must go on and that we must contribute to that effort drives our evolution. We take for granted and often act in opposition to our own best interests. Yet we all know, buried deep within, we must take care of ourselves and each other. Beavers inherently know how to build dams to control the flow of water. The redirected flow allows them to construct little island fortresses which keeps them safe from predators. It’s that important to their continued survival. And we humans connect ourselves to the lives before and the lives to come. This is the means by which we protect ourselves and ensure our survival. It is one continuous life. It is very precious and the only life we have to live.
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April 30, 2021
Heather L. Barksdale Interview with Shawn Mahler
Author Heather L. Barksdale recently posted a review of Chizawa Bay: As Ugly as I Am. And she was also kind enough to put together an interesting interview with me to discuss my approach to writing and the construction of the novel. If you’re curious about how I put Chizawa Bay together please give it a read:
Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Shawn Mahler
And to read Heather’s review of Chizawa Bay please visit her website:
Heather’s Bookshelf: Chizawa Bay: As Ugly As I Am
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Heather’s Bookshelf Review of Chizawa Bay
I first came across Heather L. Barksdale after reading a review of her novel Arriving Through Time on a book review website. I picked up a copy and really enjoyed the story of Lizze moving through time and space. It was interesting to see the impact her decisions made on the other characters and the events of the narrative (don’t wanna give away any spoilers;)
I reached out to Heather and she was kind enough to read and review my own debut novel, Chizawa Bay. It’s a very honest review and one I’m very proud of having. Please give it a read on her website:
Heather’s Bookshelf: Chizawa Bay: As Ugly As I Am
Heather has a lot of other great reviews from new and upcoming writers. She posts new reviews regularly. To stay up to date I recommend subscribing to her blog/newsletter, The Secret to Writer’s Block.
Chizawa Bay is currently available in ebook and paperback on Amazon.
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January 26, 2021
AVO Magazine Review of Chizawa Bay
Woke up this morning to an amazing review of ‘Chizawa Bay’ by AVO Magazine – One click closer to Japan.
I was really touched by all the kind words and the thoughtful analysis of the story and characters. Please give the review a read:
Book Review: Shawn Mahler – Chizawa Bay: As Ugly As I Am
And if you happen to speak Dutch;)
Over het boek
I’ve been visiting AVO for a while now. It’s a great resource for info on Japanese sub-culture and indie scenes. There are quite a few rabbit holes to fall through:)
If you haven’t got your copy of ‘Chizawa Bay’ yet, it’s available now in ebook and paperback on Amazon.
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December 26, 2020
Whispering Stories Review of Chizawa Bay
Just wanted to shout out and say thank you to the team at Whispering Stories. Reviewer Clive recently wrote up his thoughts on Chizawa Bay and I’m very flattered by his appraisal. Please read the full review and if it piques your interest check out the sample pages on Amazon.com.
Chizawa Bay: As Ugly As I Am by Shawn Mahler – Book Review
Whispering Stories has a ton of great reviews of books by new authors and indie publishers. It’s a great place to find hidden gems and books that normally wouldn’t come across your newsfeeds. If you’re looking for more to read during the winter holidays please visit their website.
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