‘It has been said that Kasting, or “killer casting,” harks back to the ancient practice of using “suicide chambers” to punish wrongdoers. Although there is no trace of it in history books, it is well known that suicide shows were common among the Romans and also in Asian cultures, especially Japan (Harakiri). A person who had committed a crime or socially offensive act was forced to enter a chamber and commit suicide in front of an audience. Even the Greek philosopher Socrates drank poison among friends, family and guests to carry out his own death sentence.

Kasting is the twisted application of this practice among innocent victims, actors looking for a good part to boost their careers. The clever but brutal Svengali behind this underground snuffing system has still not been caught.’

Helmut Kalabran, 12th October 2006