C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Take the Stage at Acacia

MILWAUKEE (October 6, 2025) – “We’re exploring how these men relate to each other, not putting antagonism on display,” director Elaine Wyler says of Acacia’s upcoming production of Freud’s Last Session, which imagines a dialogue between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. “It’s a very abbreviated encounter where they share a lot of personal stuff, because both of them see something identifiable—understandable—in the other. That’s where we’re going wrong now. We’re not taking time to listen to what’s similar.”

Suggested by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.’s The Question of God, Mark St. Germain’s Freud’s Last Session conjures a discussion between titans of theology and psychology C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud on the day England enters WWII. The debate is friendly but the stakes are high as Freud and Lewis assert their truths and attempt to understand the other, “with both humor and insight in abundance…the kind of nuance that breathes life into history.” (NY 1)

Wyler directed the play in its sold-out and “first-rate” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) local premiere at Acacia in 2015. “I see significant differences in the way I’m thinking about the show this time,” Wyler reflects. “Basically, truth is the issue. What’s true, what’s real, what isn’t, who knows it, who doesn’t, who’s going to do what about it. There are many pertinent historical references…Freud was persecuted by the Nazis: he watched them burn his books and four of his sisters died in concentration camps.”

With such complicated subjects and only two characters, the right actors are vital. “I find it exhilarating to have David Sapiro and Jason Will as Freud and Lewis. These are two extraordinarily talented men, and intelligent,” raves Wyler. “I don’t feel like the driver, I feel like I’m in the backseat, and all I really have to do is say ‘turn here, keep going straight, make a u-turn, park it here.’ As far as I’m concerned, I have the easiest job on earth right now: I’m directing two brilliant actors, in a brilliant play.” According to Wyler, not only is Freud’s Last Session brilliant, “it’s intellectually provocative, surprising, extremely funny, powerfully moving, and intriguing. Come discover something.”

In keeping with Acacia’s commitment to make theatre more accessible, all tickets for Freud’s Last Session are pay what you can and may be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. Season subscriptions remain on sale through the final performance of the run. All performances will be given in The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, located at 7845 North River Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

Performance dates:
Fri., Oct. 24th at 7:30 PM, Sat., Oct. 25th at 7:30 PM, Sun., Oct. 26th at 3:00 PM, Thu., October 30th at 7:30 PM, Fri., October 31st at 7:30 PM, Sat., Nov. 1st at 4:00 PM, Sun., Nov. 2nd at 3:00 PM, Thu., Nov. 6th at 7:30 PM, Fri., Nov. 7th at 7:30 PM, Sat., Nov. 8th at 4:00 PM, Sun., Nov. 9th at 3:00 PM

Ticket Information
All performances of Freud’s Last Session are pay what you can. Tickets can be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. Season subscriptions remain on sale through the final performance of the run.

About Acacia Theatre Company
Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.