In this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon talks with acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute about his latest provocative thriller, House of Darkness. Known for his sharp dialogue and unsettling explorations of human behavior, LaBute once again leads us into murky psychological territory—this time through a creepy, sexy, and sinister story about what happens when a man meets a mysterious woman at a bar and decides to go home with her. What unfolds is a modern gothic tale with tension, power games, and unexpected twists. In our conversation, LaBute pulls back the curtain on his inspirations, his writing process, and why he’s still fascinated by the dangerous spaces between men and women.

Neil LaBute reflected on what continues to draw him to unsettling and provocative stories as our conversation ended. House of Darkness is a slow burn with sharp teeth—a cautionary tale wrapped in seduction and shadow. For LaBute, it’s not just about scares or suspense, but the deeper psychological terrain we often avoid. If you’re a fan of innovative, edgy storytelling that dares to ask uncomfortable questions, this is a film—and an interview—you won’t want to miss.