Below the Belt at Basil Burwell Community Theater

Belfast, Maine — Belfast Maskers presents Below the Belt, a darkly comic satire by Richard Dresser, directed by Zafra Whitcomb. The production runs from March 19–29 at the Basil Burwell Community Theater, 17 Court Street in Belfast. The production stars Tucker Atwood as Dobbit, Cory Burns as Hanrahan, and Sally Mills as Merkin.

Set in the distant high desert of a foreign land, Below the Belt follows three workers inside a nameless corporate compound where toxic waste, isolation, and ruthless competition shape every interaction. As they struggle for recognition, approval, and meaning within an absurd and dehumanizing system, the play blends dark comedy and biting satire to expose petty grievances, fragile alliances, and the existential tension grinding beneath the machinery of corporate life.

“I’m tremendously excited to bring this absurdly funny, biting, and very human play to Belfast audiences as my first full-length production with the Maskers,” director Whitcomb said. He previously directed the one-act plays At Home and Teams, which appeared in their 2024 and 2025 One Acts Festivals, respectively. “Backbiting office politics, authoritarian corporatism, environmental destruction—what could be more fun? This cast and production team are fantastic—we are very lucky to have such a wealth of talent in the midcoast, and I know audiences will have a blast when they come to the show.”

The audience of the Thursday, March 26th performance is welcomed to join playwright Richard Dresser in conversation with Whitcomb for a special talkback immediately following the curtain call. Whitcomb said it has been a privilege to discuss the play with Dresser throughout the rehearsal process and that the company is thrilled to welcome him to Belfast for the event.

Performances run from March 19–29, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Thursday night tickets cost only $10. Tickets and info about the rest of the 2026 season, including upcoming auditions, are available at belfastmaskers.com.