With a fluffy-sounding name like The Pillowman, students might think this week's No Refund Theatre production is one for the younger set.

It's not. In fact, director Susan Martin made a point that this dark comedy is not for children.

The Martin McDonagh play, which takes place almost completely inside an unnamed totalitarian state detention center, tells the tale of a short story writer who is questioned following the discovery of several child murder victims killed in the same style described in his writings.

"Everything about this play is unsettling," cast member Matt Davidson (senior-political science and media studies) said. "One second you're laughing and the next second it takes you in a completely different direction."

It was Davidson who first suggested that Martin, who will receive her doctorate in English following this semester, take on the work. Davidson said he thought the smaller cast, simpler scenery and character composition would suit the space allowed by 111 Forum, where it will be presented at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Martin, like the play's writer, hails from Ireland. Although this is an Irish play with "Irish speech rhythms," she decided to Americanize the play by having the actors speak without accents and by altering some of the dialogue.

She said the theme of the play is the influence of one's childhood on one's adulthood.

"On the surface, it's an exploration of both characters under pressure and the games they play," she said, "as well as the deeper psyche and how childhood events affect later life."

Martin described the play as a "cat and mouse game" that involves the writer, his mentally handicapped brother and the two cops who question them.

Several primarily non-speaking roles are in the play as well. A screen has been erected on stage next to the interrogation room, where these actors show past events in silhouette.

Despite the macabre and dark nature of the plot, the play is meant to be humorous, cast members said.

"The dialogue is so well thought-out, and as an actor, the characters are amazing," Davidson said. "When I read this play, I thought, 'I need to be in this play before I die.' "

Micah Winarchick, a State College resident and NRT veteran, will play Katurian, the writer under investigation. Winarchick said the play's title refers to the name of one of his character's stories, which he tells during the performance at his brother's request.

Winarchick also said the characters experience frequent role reversal.

"The audience perception of characters can change," he said.

Martin praised the play for its grim and different story.

"[It's] not the usual sort of comedy you'll see around here," she said. "[It's] something beyond the usual."