Michigan Basement

[Souphead]

Hope I'm not being super obvious but the term Michigan basement is a reference to an original crawlspace that is later dug into a full basement. Because the basement was 'added' later, the walls are dirt or stone or whatever works to keep the walls from caving in. The result is that the basement is not convertible into any sort of living space. I'm sure elsewhere in the world, there are other names but in Michigan, Ligotti's original home, they are called Michigan Basements. Just Google the term if you want more technical details.

Now none of that tells us much about the play though!

Souphead.

[T.E. Grau]

I'm so envious of the title "Michigan Basement."

As The New Nonsense wrote below, it's incredibly evocative in its blunt simplicity. Self-generated horror in two seemingly innocuous words.

[Lord Jim]

Quote Originally Posted by T.E. Grau

I'm so envious of the title "Michigan Basement." As The New Nonsense wrote below, it's incredibly evocative in its blunt simplicity. Self-generated horror in two seemingly innocuous words.

I must now express my difference of opinion, Ted, as both Michigan AND basements have a plethora of foreboding! Combining both images together is simply unthinkable. Stop thinking it!

[ramonoski]

Figured this could be used as some kind of creative exercise (with all dues to Ligotti and Trenz, of course.)

Knowing what you know about Ligotti's fiction (including Crampton, if you've read it): what do you think Michigan Basement is about? What kind of imagery or scenarios spring in your mind from this evokative title?

[Spiral]

I have no clue what Michigan Basement is about. I really hope I get to know, or even better to read the thing itself. Crampton was excellent.

Can someone tell us more what that script is like? the gist and vibe of it?

I'm so damn curious about it

[T.E. Grau]

I sense an anthology taking shape.

Quote Originally Posted by ramonoski

Figured this could be used as some kind of creative exercise (with all dues to Ligotti and Trenz, of course.) Knowing what you know about Ligotti's fiction (including Crampton, if you've read it): what do you think Michigan Basement is about? What kind of imagery or scenarios spring in your mind from this evokative title?

[Lord Jim]

"The Challenge From...Debasement"

[bendk]

Quote Originally Posted by Ascrobius

I don't believe that Tom or Brandon have any plans on shopping around Michigan Basement or pursuing it any further, though you never know, right? While I liked it, in as much as one can "like" reading a screenplay, and I am lucky to have read it, I got the impression that Tom and Brandon might consider it somewhat sub-par, though I don't agree with that assessment. Tim (Today I went back and looked at Michigan Basement after not looking at it for a year or so, and it is really interesting, but I find anything written by Tom to be worth reading (not to mention giving due credit to Brandon Trenz; I liked Crampton as a stand-alone piece as well). I didn't read the whole thing today but skimmed it briefly, and it is as creepy as I remember in parts. There are some moments that are very Ligottian, not surprisingly, and it's longer than I remembered it being; 110 pages to be exact. Who knows...maybe someday it will see the light of day, but that'll obviously be up to Brandon and Tom.) Tim

It's been a few years. Time for a bump.

[Ascrobius]

Pretty sure there are no plans for it, but I will inquire. It has been a long while since we discussed it. Probably 10 years or so. It is rather compelling, for sure, and I certainly understand the interest. I will report back after I chat with Tom about it.

[bendk]

It has been a couple of years. Time for a bump.