Christopher Marlowe penned “The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” in the late 1500s. The story centered on Doctor Faustus, who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for power and knowledge.

Nearly 500 years later, an updated version of the play will be performed in San Antonio.

Beginning Friday, July 27, the Overtime Theater will showcase local playwright Rebbeca Coffey's updated version of “The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus,” dubbed “Poet Faustus.” The play tells the story of a struggling poet who sells his soul not to Satan, but to God, in exchange for fame and power.

“It's a great play on selling your soul at all,” said John Poole, owner of the Overtime Theater. “It's a straightforward play and a satire about the modern art community as much as it is a rewriting of a cult comedy.”

Not that “Poet Faustus” is designed solely as a modern-day comedy.

In true satire mode, Poole insists, there is a moral to be found at the play's core.

“Anybody who sees the show will understand it all,” he said. “It has a lot of good things to say about personal relationships and goals, God and the universe and everything.”

As any play goes, that includes the inevitable conflict.

“A deal gets struck, and the poet sells his soul and becomes famous,” Poole said. “But it never works out the way we want it to.”

CLINT HALE | 210SA