Plays, playscripts, drama
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Fragments from the Big Piece: a play
Book Synopsis'Fragments from the Big Piece' is a non-linear, stylized play inspired by eastern bloc film noir. While exploring the dark underbelly of the drug trade, the play simultaneously tells the story of a man and a womans crumbling relationship.
£7.46
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Red Mango: A Blues Monologue
Book Synopsis'Red Mango' is a one-man play about a "single celibate sensualist" who constantly thinks about women-though not for sex, but for sweaty joy and sensual contact on the booming dance floors of Victoria's blues clubs. Charlie is a mid-40's, divorced blues fanatic: he is "between relationships" and addicted to the rapture of losing one's self in a crowded room of sweating, gyrating, heaving bodies, grinding to the rhythms of powerhouse blues. Humorous, poetic, 'Red Mango' played to sold-out houses at Victoria's Belfry Theatre. "The writing is so tight-no time wasted, word choices concise..." - Broken Pencil
£8.07
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Articles of Faith: The Battle of St. Alban's
Book Synopsis'Articles of Faith' is a play designed to promote understanding of the controversial subject of the blessing of same-sex unions. The play is based on a series of interviews conducted by the author in a Pacific Northwest community where the issue of formal condoning and blessing of same-sex unions divided and eventually split an Anglican parish. "Intended to "spark a dialogue" regarding the Anglican Church's internal battlesover same-sex marriage, the play examines the case of a Port Alberni, BC parish that voted to "disaffiliate" from the church in 1996 in protest against its perceived openness toward blessing same-sex relationships. ...The result, if rarely dramatic or compelling, is a work that succinctly and earnestly voices a representative range of opinion on the issue." - Canadian Literature
£7.99
Anvil Press Publishers Inc True Mummy: A Play
Book Synopsis'True Mummy' is a compelling drama, which presents provocative ideas and poses difficult questions connected to issues of life and death, morality and art, ritual versus utilitarianism, and the "opposing concepts of creation and desecration." 'True Mummy' refers to a black, luminous, clear glaze, the "best shellac in the history of art," that was made from the ash of cremated mummies. What is sacred today-anything? Is any degree of desecration justified in the pursuit of truth and thecreation of art? These are only a few of the questions posed in this provocative drama. "Cone's plays present a remarkable talent for layering history, visual art, philosophy and contemporary social issues to produce works that must be consumed with care, given the complexity of their ingredients."- The Rain Review Of Books
£7.99
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Brave New Play Rites: Highlights plays from UBC's
Book Synopsis'Brave New Play Rites' presents twenty years of original and startling theatre from Canadas best young writers. The book is a collection of short one-act plays written by students in the Creative Writing Program at UBC and produced at the annual festival, Brave New Play Rites, for public performances. Many successful writers have had their plays produced in the festival, including Lynn Coady, Steven Galloway, Dennis Bolen, Kevin Chong, and Aaron Bushkowsky. The release of 'Brave New Play Rites' coincides with the 20th anniversary year of the festival, and the familiar names in this collection will be of interest both critically, and to readers who already follow the careers of these writers.
£17.99
Anvil Press Publishers Inc The Stone Face
Book SynopsisThe year is 1964 and first-time film director Alan Schneider is about to embark on a project combining the talents of Buster Keaton and Samuel Beckett. When Alan visits the home of Keaton to discuss the project, titled simply 'Film', he discovers the former star engaged in an imaginary card game with the long-deceased Irving G. Thalberg. It doesn't take long for Alan to realize that he has entered into an altered universe resembling the surreal world of the Buster Keaton film, a worldwhere doors solve problems and card games provide lessons in life. Alan turns to Beckett for help in making sense of this world, only to find that Sam is perfectly at home in it. The play tracks Alan's journey through the maze that is the world of the Keaton film, a world which, as the making of 'Film' progresses, also takes on elements that might be found in a Beckett absurdist play. By examining the making of 'Film' as well as the comedy of the Keaton film, the play examines the process by which we create art in general as well as the process by which we live our lives.
£9.50
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Tortoise Boy
Book SynopsisFour disparate people confront each other, their memory, and their responsibility at the emergency room of a hospital when brought together by the crisis of a teenager suffering a psychiatric episode. 'Tortoise Boy' is a "chamber play," four monologues, or mono-dialogues, if you will. The actors play many characters to tell the story, and they are also four voices, four instruments-a quartet-allowing them at times to step beside characters and show the story from other points of view. Can we have a future without a past? Is there any meaning to a past that has no future? When do our memories open doors, and when do they close them? What's best forgotten? What's indelible? The ancient Greeks believed that memory is the mother of the muses, and the words memory, muse, and music all share a common root.
£11.39
NeWest Press Ethnicities: Plays From the New West
Book Synopsis
£13.49
NeWest Press Minor Keys: A Romantic Comedy
Book Synopsis
£10.44
NeWest Press Martin Yesterday
Book Synopsis
£999.99
NeWest Press Snake in Fridge: A Play
Book SynopsisSnake in Fridge examines the everyday lives of not so everyday characters. A group of eight misfits living in a misfit house go about their daily business in true Fraser style: Corbett works in porno and owns a pet snake; Caddie is a stripper; Travis is a busboy who aspires to be a waiter; and one of the people living in their house is a murderer. After Corbetts "dead" snake escapes, bizarre things begin to happen in the house. The darkness in this play may not be the result of the lives led by the characters, but the house they live in.
£11.17
NeWest Press NeXtFest Anthology: Plays From the Syncrude Next
Book Synopsis
£999.99
NeWest Press Aberhart Summer: A Play
Book SynopsisBased on the novel by Bruce Allen Powe, The Aberhart Summer is a dark "coming of age" story where desperation, secrets, and tragedy affect the lives of the people in an Edmonton neighbourhood during the Depression. A mystery, a comedy, and a gripping look at Alberta history.
£13.01
NeWest Press NextFest Anthology II: Plays from the Syncrude
Book Synopsis
£13.49
NeWest Press At the Zenith of the Empire
Book SynopsisIn 1913, legendary tragedienne Sarah Bernhardt travelled to Edmonton, Alberta, to perform the last act of Alexandre Dumas's The Lady of the Camellias before two packed houses at the Empire Theatre. Augmenting well-documented accounts of both the Bernhardt visit and the surprisingly active local live theatre scene during the pre-First World War years, At the Zenith of the Empire creates a swirling speculative scenario about the impact of a very special day in the lives of Edmonton's earliest theatre-goers and theatre practitioners. The Divine Sarah herself narrates this sumptuous romp of reminiscence, in which she and her eccentric co-star Lou Tellegen become instantly embroiled in the lives of the people they've come to entertain. Playwright Stewart Lemoine combines drama with hilarity in a play that visits such local landmarks as Ada Boulevard, the Groat Ravine, newly annexed Strathcona, and the not-quite-completed High Level Bridge-all the while celebrating that most crucial component of the theatrical equation-the audience!
£13.49
NeWest Press Harvest & Other Plays
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£13.95
NeWest Press Witness to a Conga & Other Plays: Prairie Plays
Book SynopsisThe Sterling Award-winning author of At the Zenith of the Empire and A Teatro Trilogy returns with a new collection of charming, heart-warming comedies. Originally written for the Edmonton Fringe Festival, these three plays combine Lemoine''s trademark sparkling banter and fanciful settings with often unexpectedly emotional explorations of marriage, love, and family. In Happy Toes, a husband''s faith is tested when he begins to suspect his wife is having an affair with a close friend; in The Oculist''s Holiday, a World War I widow falls in love with an American eye doctor on vacation in the small Swiss city of Lausanne; and in Witness to a Conga, a young man''s impending marriage stirs up memories of his troubled relationship with his father, his parents'' divorce, and the woman who never knew she was the great love of his life.
£14.39
Anvil Press Publishers Inc Mutant Sex Party
Book Synopsis'Mutant Sex Party' is Ed Macdonald's first collection of plays. As well as the title piece, this collection includes 'The Escape Artist, Erratica, Gemini, Smoke & Blood, Hot Meat,' and 'Titus Lucretius Carus'. "There's an interesting and very complicated relationship to explore here; I was immediately curious about the power dynamic...and also about the element of hypocrisy." -nytheatre.com
£12.34
Desert Hearts Khojaly: A Play about Surviving
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£12.88
Playdead Press Girl with a Book
Book Synopsis
£8.07
Playdead Press Moon Project
Book SynopsisLeila is an aeronautical engineer. Shahab is a film maker. Today they have been asked to give a talk about their famous friendship and how two such unlikely people have become friends in the first place. It all started with a crash. Leila was thrown into the air one day when Shahab crashed his car into her. Did she experience shock? or peak experience? And was it possible she experienced both at once? Meanwhile Shahab, who has spent his whole life on the run, is having to come to terms with why he didn''t stop to see if Leila was ok. Moon Project is about how often the thing we want the most is the thing we are most frightened of. It is also about space.
£9.49
Playdead Press Oedipus Retold
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£999.99
Playdead Press Catnip
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£9.49
Playdead Press Dog Days
Book SynopsisIt''s probably the menopause. My Aunty Vera''s went on for twenty years. She was so hot once, she ended up in the freezer cabinet at Tesco''s. Just got in with the fisherman''s pies.'' What do you do when your world turns upside down? Cate and Johns marriage has hit the rocks. Now they are trapped in a nightmarish limbo until they manage to sell the family home. When a rather unusual couple fall in love with the house, it looks like the answer to their prayers-but be careful what you wish for... A wickedly dark comedy about love loss and real estate. Dog Days was first show at Theatre 503.
£9.49
Playdead Press Picasso's Artful Occupation
Book SynopsisIn a gloomy vault of a Paris bank in September 1940, Picasso has been summoned by the German occupation authorities. His precious works of art are to be inventoried. But for what reason? To the new German order Picasso is an artist of the ''Bolshevik-degenerate'' variety. Is this summons a prelude to the art equivalent of the burning of the books? An art Kristallnacht just for Pablo -- the most famous artist alive? A desperate, surreal, sometimes comic, battle of wits and wills ensues. If Picasso loses, the consequences could be dire, both for him personally and for his work.
£9.49
Playdead Press Union
Book Synopsis"Union" tells the story of the original Union of Scotland and England in 1707 as you have never heard it before. Tim Barrow''s play is an energetic and highly theatrical romp through the raucous leaking taverns off the Royal Mile, Kensington Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Union is rich in famous historical figures such as Daniel Defoe and Queen Anne, as well as our great Scottish poet -- Allan Ramsay - who finds love in Grace, a prostitute in the bawdy and dangerous world of Eighteenth Century Edinburgh. Don''t miss this big, foul-mouthed yet eloquent story as it leaps onto The Lyceum (Edinburgh) stage in the year of referendum.
£9.49
Playdead Press Act Now!: Monologues for Young People
Book SynopsisThis new collection of contemporary monologues has been developed through consultation with young people. They offer a range of authentic voices and relevant issues to stimulate discussion and participatory drama work. Monologues featured: A Friend Request by Kate Collins (Act Now! Monologue Competition Winner) -- Joshua can be whoever he wants in an online world; Father''s Footsteps by Mary Cooper -- everything has changed since Nathan''s son was born. But is his past still ruling his future?; Web Pal by Billy Cowan -- Zoe has met someone special on Facebook. Will he turn out to be the same as his profile pic?; A Change for the Better by Anne Neville -- Ian liked his last school. He doesn''t understand why things had to change; It Should Have Been Me by Billy Cowan -- when faced with unrequited love, will Sophie take revenge on the object of her affection?; Cheers by Ged McKenna -- Ben has finally found the courage to speak up, but not everyone is thanking him.
£9.49
Playdead Press Workshy
Book SynopsisThis is a play for young people about six characters exploring their relationship to work, education, society and the influences/barriers to all of these. Six friends wake to the first day of the rest of their lives after their A Levels. Harry is not too worried as his parents are well enough off for him to bounce around before joining the family business. Ben has got a job working with his dad on the dustbin lorries and is putting money over studies. Hannah works too much. Ruth and Mandy have big ideas about uni, but Mandy has just discovered that she and Joe might be about to become parents. Joe has no plans, no motivation for work, nothing to look forward to at all. Could a baby really be the answer to his prayers? Education @ The Palace joined forces with Vision West Nottinghamshire performing arts department and Create Theatre to present this new play, which comes from Write Track, the new writing programme at the Mansfield Palace Theatre.
£9.49
Playdead Press Glass Supper
Book SynopsisMarcus and Colin have escaped the madness of London to live in the peaceful countryside. But will this new idyllic reality soon be shattered when Steven, his beautiful young boyfriend, Jamie, and Wendy arrive unexpectedly for supper? The Glass Supper is a blistering, poetic, funny new drama about the search for love and sex in the modern world. The Glass Supper by BAFTA-Nominated Martyn Hesford is a searing new comic play from the writer and team behind Mrs Lowry and Son (Critics'' Choice in The Times and in The Telegraph, 2013). It had its UK première in July 2014 at the Hampstead Theatre in a production starring Michelle Collins.
£9.49
Playdead Press Life's a Gatecrash
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£9.49
Playdead Press Where Nothing Arrives
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Playdead Press Notes From Other Worlds A Series of Dramatic
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£9.49
Playdead Press Jezebel
Book SynopsisA clever comedy about the dumb consequences of hot sex meeting cold statistics. Alan and Robin are a go-getting couple who want to spice up their sex life. Jezebel is a woe-fretting singleton who''s looking to get one. Could a threesome be the answer to all their problems? Follow this unlikely trio on a fast-paced adventure of misunderstandings and unexpected complications. Jezebel is a light-hearted lesson in what not to do when your sex life needs saving. Jezebel was commissioned by Rough Magic Theatre Company through its SEEDS programme and premièred at Project Arts Centre, Dublin in December 2012. It was revived for a 2014 Irish tour and dates in Paris and Glasgow, and subsequently transferred to Soho Theatre in August 2014.
£9.49
Playdead Press Lottys War
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£9.49
Playdead Press Fields Unsown
Book SynopsisLate summer 1916. With an overwhelming number of casualties coming back from the Front, Morden Hall has been transformed into an auxiliary hospital for injured soldiers. All over the country women are eager to support the war effort and offer their services as V.A.D. Nurses. But when the daughter of an eminent MP who''s pushing a controversial bill arrives, Matron Enid Woods makes it clear Elizabeth Ewing Chapple isn''t welcome. Fields Unsown uncovers the secret history of Morden Hall Park, exploring the legacy of the First World War, acknowledging its impact on colonialism and honouring Gilliat Edward Hatfeild''s wish that the grounds be enjoyed by the local community now and for many years to come.
£9.49
Playdead Press Inside
Book SynopsisInspired by astonishing true stories, INSIDE is a psychological drama that explores the effects of Stockholm Syndrome on a kidnap victim desperate to keep hope. Locked in a basement for 12 years, she has survived physical and psychological abuse by escaping to her childhood and recording video messages to her Mum. Now, reeling from her latest beating and in the most critical hour of her captivity, the victim discovers that not everything she''s been told is true. But to find a way out, she''ll have to break through something much stronger than just the basement door.
£8.54
Playdead Press Smilin Through Still Ill
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£10.44
Playdead Press Sum
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Playdead Press Wind in the Willows
Book SynopsisBy Kenneth Grahame, Adapted by Gari Jones. Toad hasn''t been seen since the most recent of his escapades backfired, Badger doesn''t react well to visitors in the winter and Ratty and Mole have tucked themselves away eating sardines and telling tales of sunnier days. How will we drive the wild-wooders back where they belong? Warm your feet by the fire, toast yourself a crumpet and let us thrill you with the daring adventures of Mr Toad, as his friends try to put him off his latest scheme while the seasons turn on the riverbank.
£9.49
Playdead Press Moment We Met
Book SynopsisHow does one woman make sense of events that are beyond her control but which touch her deeply? This is the focus of THE MOMENT WE MET. Liz is an ordinary woman - an amazing ordinary woman - who struggles to make sense of the senseless. Only when she uncovers the truth of what happened in the past, and of who had been involved, will she find any degree of inner peace. Hers is an unremitting, inescapable struggle to sift truth from lies and to balance personal fulfilment with the need for justice. Admirable, moving, tenacious -- Liz is a woman for our times...
£9.49
Playdead Press An Evening with Lucian Freud
Book SynopsisIt is the day of Laura''s Ph.D. viva and she arrives early at the university research office. While she waits, she recounts the extraordinary tale of the evening she spent with the artist Lucian Freud. Based on a real life encounter, this personal, anecdotal tale is blended with art historical and biographical insights and features a range of fictionalised sitters who have been on the receiving end of Freud''s unflinching gaze. Laura-Jane Foley''s compelling monologue with video cameos takes us inside Lucian Freud''s studio and lays bare the fascinating and complex character of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. The play explores the themes of memory, permanence and creativity, and ultimately reflects on how artists, and writers, must use people to make their art. "An Evening with Lucian Freud" received its world premiere at the Leicester Square Theatre, London on 19 May 2015.
£9.49
Playdead Press In My Head
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Playdead Press Treasure Island
Book SynopsisThe Robert Louis Stevenson classic, originally written in 1883 and which created the archetype pirate, is here brought to life through theatrical magic in 2015. Jim has three visitors, as if from dreams or nightmares, and life is never the same again. A journey of discovery and betrayal is re-imagined in an inventive and nutty new theatrical adaptation. Whilst retaining the narrative of Stevensons classic, with depth, integrity, a dash of thriller and a large amount of silliness, Gari Joness adaptation zips along like a wacky race brimming with pirate speak, off-the-wall characters and a whole heap of original shanties and brand new songs. The original production was created in collaboration with Oxfords Creation Theatre.
£9.49
Playdead Press Getting Better Slowly
Book Synopsis"What if you woke up to find your body was slowly shutting down? Unable to walk, talk or blink and nobody knows why When Guillain Barré Syndrome affected Adam Pownall it caused full paralysis within days. Getting Better Slowly tells his inspiring story of recovery through new writing, sound and movement. Funny, moving, and honest, Adams journey through illness and rehabilitation including months re-learning how to walk and talk invites audiences to consider how they would deal with an unexpected illness or accident, and explores how it feels when your closest relationship is with the illness thats holding you back."
£9.49
Playdead Press Choosers
Book Synopsis"Alfie and Reg are homeless. A series of unconnected events has led them to this park, at this time, under this tree. As days unfold, an unlikely friendship forms as the two men navigate life under the light of a single lamp post. Choosers is a funny and tender new play about male companionship and the humanity behind the label of homelessness."
£9.49
Playdead Press Just an Ordinary Lawyer
Book SynopsisNigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britains first Black judge in 1978. Also a fine concert singer and keen cricket lover, he muses on international politics and history as they affect the Black world from Africa to the USA and Britain, but only as one who would rather watch sports, and spread love and peace through the medium of song. Recalling heroic sporting achievements alongside epoch-defining political events, Tayo Aluko follows the multi-award-winning Call Mr. Robeson with another brilliantly put together history lesson delivered as art.
£999.99
Playdead Press Hidden
Book Synopsis"A love story about invisible disability. Chris is a city lawyer; Jess is a Ph.D student. Two ordinary people in a relationship who want to get on with their lives. The birth of their son and the economic crash create a catalyst of events that leads them to discover who they really are. Can their relationship survive the challenges of accepting their newfound reality?"
£9.49
Playdead Press No Place for a Woman
Book SynopsisThe wife of a commandant is throwing a party. She asks her husband for champagne. Instead he brings home a ballet dancer from the camp. An extraordinary story that explores the strength of marital love, the redemptive power of dance, and the survival of two women who live as neighbours but are worlds apart.
£9.49
