Family drama and forbidden passion in 'Desire Under the Elms' at Actor's Express

"Desire Under the Elms" is on stage at Actor's Express through Aug. 28. (Casey Gardner Ford.)

Desire Under the Elms” by Eugene O’Neill explores themes such as lust, revenge, love, faith and the need for a home of one’s own. A production of the American classic is on stage at Actor’s Express through Aug. 28, and artistic director Freddie Ashley is directing the play. He joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to talk more about the play that stirred passions and fomented controversy since its first staging in 1924.

Interview highlights:

A story of a family broken by untamed desire and hardship: