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Vanya (Modern Plays)
by Anton ChekhovCan you imagine if it was possible to completely change the way you live your life? To look at your life and ask yourself what you would do if it died. If your old life died. It ended. And then take what's left of your real life and live it properly. How can I do that, Michael? Where do I start?Chekhov's classic tale of love, art, sex, and attempted murder in a fresh adaptation by Simon Stephens, written to be performed by a solo actor.Comedic and tragic, Chekhov's examination of our shared humanity – our hopes, dreams, regrets – is thrust into sharp focus in Vanya. This fresh adaptation explores the kaleidoscope of human emotions, harnessing the power of the intimate bond between actor and audience to delve deeper into the human psyche.This edition was published to coincide with the West End premiere starring Andrew Scott in September 2023.
anthropology (Modern Plays)
by Lauren GundersonI have no answers. I have nothing but rage and sorrow. And so yes I built you because this is what I do. And honestly it's not that hard, you're basically a chatbot. Merril is one of Silicon Valley's leading software engineers, but her life disintegrates when her younger sister Angie vanishes on her way home from college. A year later, when the police have long abandoned their search, Merril assembles all the digital material Angie has left behind and sets about building herself a digital simulation of her sister. The resultant 'virtual Angie' offers her some solace – until, that is, it starts to reveal new details about the real Angie's disappearance…A moving exploration of the intersection of family, technology, and legacy, anthropology is the timely new play from award-winning playwright, Lauren Gunderson. This edition was published to coincide withthe world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in September 2023.
anthropology: (PDF) (Modern Plays)
by Lauren GundersonI have no answers. I have nothing but rage and sorrow. And so yes I built you because this is what I do. And honestly it's not that hard, you're basically a chatbot. Merril is one of Silicon Valley's leading software engineers, but her life disintegrates when her younger sister Angie vanishes on her way home from college. A year later, when the police have long abandoned their search, Merril assembles all the digital material Angie has left behind and sets about building herself a digital simulation of her sister. The resultant 'virtual Angie' offers her some solace – until, that is, it starts to reveal new details about the real Angie's disappearance…A moving exploration of the intersection of family, technology, and legacy, anthropology is the timely new play from award-winning playwright, Lauren Gunderson. This edition was published to coincide withthe world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in September 2023.
Abe Koogler Selected Plays (Methuen Drama Play Collections)
by Abe Koogler“Koogler's characters are earnest, idiosyncratic, and suspicious of hierarchy. Often bitingly funny, Koogler's plays…reveal larger truths about the economic and racial systems under which we all live.” (The Yale Review)Abe Koogler writes darkly comedic plays about ordinary Americans confronting larger political and economic forces, from small town residents grappling with environmental change to slaughterhouse workers trying to retain their humanity. Although grounded in realism, Koogler's plays often incorporate imaginary elements and heightened or musical language, creating moving and memorable works of art.In his first play collection, Koogler's work is brought together and introduced by the author, offering an overview of his range in style, from the naturalistic to the absurd.Deep Blue Sound: “If anything links all of these people, it is an aching loneliness. That they are trying to figure out what happened to orcas, which are remarkably social animals, is among the nice touches that Koogler has sneaked into his group portrait.” (New York Times)Fulfillment Center: “steeped in a luminous and illuminating empathy that feels both uncommon and essential right now.” (New York Times)Aspen Ideas: A fast-paced and darkly comedic thriller about an annual conference of the famous and well-connected, held high in the Colorado mountains.Kill Floor: “Melancholy and moving. A very closely, and often quite beautifully, observed character study.” (Chicago Tribune)Advance Man: Ripe with experimental language, movement and absurdism, a surprising comedy exploring what it means to be a politically engaged American.
Abe Koogler Selected Plays (Methuen Drama Play Collections)
by Abe Koogler“Koogler's characters are earnest, idiosyncratic, and suspicious of hierarchy. Often bitingly funny, Koogler's plays…reveal larger truths about the economic and racial systems under which we all live.” (The Yale Review)Abe Koogler writes darkly comedic plays about ordinary Americans confronting larger political and economic forces, from small town residents grappling with environmental change to slaughterhouse workers trying to retain their humanity. Although grounded in realism, Koogler's plays often incorporate imaginary elements and heightened or musical language, creating moving and memorable works of art.In his first play collection, Koogler's work is brought together and introduced by the author, offering an overview of his range in style, from the naturalistic to the absurd.Deep Blue Sound: “If anything links all of these people, it is an aching loneliness. That they are trying to figure out what happened to orcas, which are remarkably social animals, is among the nice touches that Koogler has sneaked into his group portrait.” (New York Times)Fulfillment Center: “steeped in a luminous and illuminating empathy that feels both uncommon and essential right now.” (New York Times)Aspen Ideas: A fast-paced and darkly comedic thriller about an annual conference of the famous and well-connected, held high in the Colorado mountains.Kill Floor: “Melancholy and moving. A very closely, and often quite beautifully, observed character study.” (Chicago Tribune)Advance Man: Ripe with experimental language, movement and absurdism, a surprising comedy exploring what it means to be a politically engaged American.
Trueman and the Arsonists (Modern Plays)
by Max FrischBut the best disguise, I find, is always the absolute bollock naked truth. It's really strange. Nobody believes it.This is an amoral morality play. It's also got songs in it.Fires keep starting. All across the city, arsonists worm their way into respectable people's homes only to burn them all down. It's a plague. And we don't know why.But Trueman is no fool. He can spot an arsonist from a mile away. These two strangers with troubled pasts who turn up on his doorstep asking for a spare room can't be arsonists. They're too polite. Like him. Everybody is far too respectable to act on their suspicions. Even when they fill his attic with barrels of petrol and ask him to help measure the fuse.In a new version by Simon Stephens, with songs by Chris Thorpe, Trueman and the Arsonists explores how moral lethargy can invite evil in – even encouraging you to give it a warm blanket and a nice dinner.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the Roundhouse in London, in October 2023.
Trueman and the Arsonists (Modern Plays)
by Max FrischBut the best disguise, I find, is always the absolute bollock naked truth. It's really strange. Nobody believes it.This is an amoral morality play. It's also got songs in it.Fires keep starting. All across the city, arsonists worm their way into respectable people's homes only to burn them all down. It's a plague. And we don't know why.But Trueman is no fool. He can spot an arsonist from a mile away. These two strangers with troubled pasts who turn up on his doorstep asking for a spare room can't be arsonists. They're too polite. Like him. Everybody is far too respectable to act on their suspicions. Even when they fill his attic with barrels of petrol and ask him to help measure the fuse.In a new version by Simon Stephens, with songs by Chris Thorpe, Trueman and the Arsonists explores how moral lethargy can invite evil in – even encouraging you to give it a warm blanket and a nice dinner.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the Roundhouse in London, in October 2023.
Imposter 22 (Modern Plays)
by Ms Molly DaviesWe need to start at the start.Yes, yes, we do or the Neurotypicals will be confused.There was something off about the new guy. But now he's dead, and the sirens are fast approaching. Who to trust – what was it he told you that time on the pedalo?Seven friends are in the frame for murder and the police are closing in. They must clear their name and in order to do so, they've enlisted the most unlikely of help. This funny, dark whodunnit will take you on an unexpected journey; with jokes, sex, songs, crimes, plot twists and a comeuppance.Developed collaboratively over 5 years by Access All Areas' learning disabled and autistic Associate Artists: Kirsty Adams, Cian Binchy, Housni Hassan (DJ), Dayo Koleosho, Stephanie Newman, Lee Phillips and Charlene Salter alongside writer, Molly Davies and director, Hamish Pirie, Imposter 22 is a playful account of navigating barriers, neurodiversity and the power of sharing a platform.This edition was published to coincide with the premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre in September 2023.
Imposter 22 (Modern Plays)
by Ms Molly DaviesWe need to start at the start.Yes, yes, we do or the Neurotypicals will be confused.There was something off about the new guy. But now he's dead, and the sirens are fast approaching. Who to trust – what was it he told you that time on the pedalo?You need to get your story straight; because CCTV and number plates. Because everyone's perspective is different, and only certain perspectives count. You need an empty stage, a mic, a London bus. You need a captive audience, roller skates, and a man 25 to 45 who will do as he's told. Pressure's on. Engine's running.This edition was published to coincide with the premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre in September 2023.
Great Expectations (Modern Plays)
by Charles DickensAll my life they looked down on me, always cursing and abusing. But you, you will be different!Bengal, 1903. Rumours that the British Empire plans to partition Bengal spread and uncertainty is never far away. For one Indian boy destiny is found on the banks of the River Padma before the Goddess Lakshmi. Here a promise is made. Born out of terror or kindness the choice Pipli makes that night will shape his life forever.In Tanika Gupta's adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Pipli moves from his home in Rajshahi to the bustling streets of Calcutta. With an open heart he navigates unforgiving darkness and unsettling friendships in his search for a better future. For Pipli, dharma – the right way of living, is never far away.This edition was published to coincide with the production by Tamasha in September, 2023.
Great Expectations (Modern Plays)
by Charles DickensAll my life they looked down on me, always cursing and abusing. But you, you will be different!Bengal, 1903. Rumours that the British Empire plans to partition Bengal spread and uncertainty is never far away. For one Indian boy destiny is found on the banks of the River Padma before the Goddess Lakshmi. Here a promise is made. Born out of terror or kindness the choice Pipli makes that night will shape his life forever.In Tanika Gupta's adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Pipli moves from his home in Rajshahi to the bustling streets of Calcutta. With an open heart he navigates unforgiving darkness and unsettling friendships in his search for a better future. For Pipli, dharma – the right way of living, is never far away.This edition was published to coincide with the production by Tamasha in September, 2023.
Elephant (Modern Plays)
by Anoushka LucasWinner of Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023"The men with the Piano look up the narrow staircase of our little flat and they turn to Dad, light their fags, and say; “We might have to take the windows out". A piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah's council flat, just for her. As she pours over the keys and sound floods into all the rooms, Lylah falls in love.At school, Lylah can't ask questions – she's got to be good, good, good or else she'll lose her scholarship. At home she can't ask questions; her cousins say she talks weird, and her parents are distracted. So she asks her piano: Where did you come from? Why are you here? And their shared history tumbles into the light.Part gig, part musical love story, part journey through Empire, this all-new expanded production of Olivier Award nominee Anoushka Lucas' “exquisite” (Evening Standard) Elephant transferred to the Bush Theatre's main house. This revised and expanded edition of the play accompanies the new 2023 production.
Elephant (Modern Plays)
by Anoushka LucasWinner of Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards 2023"The men with the Piano look up the narrow staircase of our little flat and they turn to Dad, light their fags, and say; “We might have to take the windows out". A piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah's council flat, just for her. As she pours over the keys and sound floods into all the rooms, Lylah falls in love.At school, Lylah can't ask questions – she's got to be good, good, good or else she'll lose her scholarship. At home she can't ask questions; her cousins say she talks weird, and her parents are distracted. So she asks her piano: Where did you come from? Why are you here? And their shared history tumbles into the light.Part gig, part musical love story, part journey through Empire, this all-new expanded production of Olivier Award nominee Anoushka Lucas' “exquisite” (Evening Standard) Elephant transferred to the Bush Theatre's main house. This revised and expanded edition of the play accompanies the new 2023 production.
Mates in Chelsea (Modern Plays)
by Rory MullarkeyBut I do have a job. I'm a professional viscount.Things aren't looking good for Theodore 'Tug' Bungay.His mother, Lady Agrippina, has a plan to cut off his funds. His fed-up fiancée wants to drag him up the aisle. An oligarch is eyeing up his beloved Northumberland castle. Is Tug's dissolute life about to change completely? Or will he get to carry on doing exactly as he pleases without ever facing any consequences?Rory Mullarkey's riotous new play takes inspiration from Wilde and Wodehouse to create a contemporary comedy of manners set among the dwellers of south-west London who – somehow – remain our country's ruling class. This edition is published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre, in November 2023.
Mates in Chelsea (Modern Plays)
by Rory MullarkeyBut I do have a job. I'm a professional viscount.Things aren't looking good for Theodore 'Tug' Bungay.His mother, Lady Agrippina, has a plan to cut off his funds. His fed-up fiancée wants to drag him up the aisle. An oligarch is eyeing up his beloved Northumberland castle. Is Tug's dissolute life about to change completely? Or will he get to carry on doing exactly as he pleases without ever facing any consequences?Rory Mullarkey's riotous new play takes inspiration from Wilde and Wodehouse to create a contemporary comedy of manners set among the dwellers of south-west London who – somehow – remain our country's ruling class. This edition is published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre, in November 2023.
To Have and To Hold (Modern Plays)
by Richard BeanHe talks about going to Switzerland, to that place where you pay them to kill you… And I say “go! It'll do you good. Broaden your horizons…you've never been abroad!After sixty years of marriage, happily settled into their retirement village in Yorkshire, Jack and Florence have elevated bickering almost to the status of high art. That said, they're otherwise getting along fine with the support of a cousin and the hilarious interventions of the man known locally as 'Rhubarb Eddie'. But will their anxious son, shuttling between London and LA, and their errant daughter, contemplating a move to Australia, leave them to live out their days in peace? Richard Bean's uproarious new comedy tackles the prickly problem of dealing with ageing parents who just don't want to be dealt with! This edition was published to coincide the world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in October, 2023.
To Have and To Hold (Modern Plays)
by Richard BeanHe talks about going to Switzerland, to that place where you pay them to kill you… And I say “go! It'll do you good. Broaden your horizons…you've never been abroad!After sixty years of marriage, happily settled into their retirement village in Yorkshire, Jack and Florence have elevated bickering almost to the status of high art. That said, they're otherwise getting along fine with the support of a cousin and the hilarious interventions of the man known locally as 'Rhubarb Eddie'. But will their anxious son, shuttling between London and LA, and their errant daughter, contemplating a move to Australia, leave them to live out their days in peace? Richard Bean's uproarious new comedy tackles the prickly problem of dealing with ageing parents who just don't want to be dealt with. This edition was published to coincide the world premiere at London's Hampstead Theatre, in October, 2023.
My Neighbour Totoro (Modern Plays)
by Tom Morton-SmithWinner of the 2023 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.Joe Hisaishi and Royal Shakespeare Company present Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro.My Neighbour Totoro is a captivating coming-of-age tale that celebrates the wondrous magic of childhood and the transformative power of imagination. Two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, embark on the summer of their lives in the idyllic countryside. With their mother recovering from an illness at a rural convalescent hospital, their father decides to relocate the family so they can be closer to her.As they explore their enchanting new surroundings, Mei discovers fantastical creatures and encounters Totoro, the ancient and loveable guardian of the forest. Satsuki initially doubts her younger sister's claims, but soon finds herself joining in on their thrilling adventures. Along with their new friends, the siblings embark on a journey through a mystical world teeming with spirits, sprites, and breath-taking natural wonders. The stage production is adapted by Tom Morton-Smith from the feature animation by Hayao Miyazaki, directed by Phelim McDermott featuring music by Joe Hisaishi, in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable. This edition was published to coincide with the production at London's Barbican Centre, in November 2023.
My Neighbour Totoro (Modern Plays)
by Tom Morton-SmithWinner of the 2023 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.Joe Hisaishi and Royal Shakespeare Company present Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro.My Neighbour Totoro is a captivating coming-of-age tale that celebrates the wondrous magic of childhood and the transformative power of imagination. Two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, embark on the summer of their lives in the idyllic countryside. With their mother recovering from an illness at a rural convalescent hospital, their father decides to relocate the family so they can be closer to her.As they explore their enchanting new surroundings, Mei discovers fantastical creatures and encounters Totoro, the ancient and loveable guardian of the forest. Satsuki initially doubts her younger sister's claims, but soon finds herself joining in on their thrilling adventures. Along with their new friends, the siblings embark on a journey through a mystical world teeming with spirits, sprites, and breath-taking natural wonders. The stage production is adapted by Tom Morton-Smith from the feature animation by Hayao Miyazaki, directed by Phelim McDermott featuring music by Joe Hisaishi, in collaboration with Nippon TV and Improbable. This edition was published to coincide with the production at London's Barbican Centre, in November 2023.
Beautiful Thing: Screenplay (Modern Plays)
by Mr Jonathan HarveyTeenage boys Ste and Jamie are neighbours on a South London estate. Jamie is more knowledgeable about The Sound of Music than football, while classmate Ste never misses a sports day. Both are being bullied, Jamie at school and Ste at home by his violent father and brother. One night, when things get too much, Ste seeks refuge in Jamie's flat and, sharing a bed, the boys strike up a new relationship. Together they come to terms with their sexuality and explore their feelings alongside their Mama Cass loving, rebellious friend Leah and with the much-needed emotional support of Jamie's lioness mother, Sandra.Thirty years on from its initial publication, Jonathan Harvey's iconic, coming-out and coming-of-age story set in the nineties still resonates with ideas on community, friendship, rites of passage and what it is to be sixteen and in love. This edition is published to coincide with the revival at London's Stratford East theatre, in September, 2023.
Beautiful Thing: (PDF) (Modern Plays)
by Mr Jonathan HarveyTeenage boys Ste and Jamie are neighbours on a South London estate. Jamie is more knowledgeable about The Sound of Music than football, while classmate Ste never misses a sports day. Both are being bullied, Jamie at school and Ste at home by his violent father and brother. One night, when things get too much, Ste seeks refuge in Jamie's flat and, sharing a bed, the boys strike up a new relationship. Together they come to terms with their sexuality and explore their feelings alongside their Mama Cass loving, rebellious friend Leah and with the much-needed emotional support of Jamie's lioness mother, Sandra.Thirty years on from its initial publication, Jonathan Harvey's iconic, coming-out and coming-of-age story set in the nineties still resonates with ideas on community, friendship, rites of passage and what it is to be sixteen and in love. This edition is published to coincide with the revival at London's Stratford East theatre, in September, 2023.
Death of England: Closing Time (Modern Plays)
by Mr Roy Williams Clint DyerLook at it Carly, look at our dream.No one's happy Denise.There are two sides to every story.Grieving the loss of the family shop and their dreams destroyed, Denise and daughter-in-law Carly are left to pick up the pieces of their relatives' mistakes.Will all be forgiven?Jo Martin (Doctor Who) and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) play Denise and Carly in this thought-provoking drama that explores family dynamics, race, colonialism and cancel culture.Clint Dyer (Othello) and Roy Williams (Sucker Punch) reunite to write this powerful new play, the final, standalone chapter of the award-winning Death of England series.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, London, in September 2023.
Death of England: Closing Time (Modern Plays)
by Mr Roy Williams Clint DyerLook at it Carly, look at our dream.No one's happy Denise.There are two sides to every story.Grieving the loss of the family shop and their dreams destroyed, Denise and daughter-in-law Carly are left to pick up the pieces of their relatives' mistakes.Will all be forgiven?Jo Martin (Doctor Who) and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) play Denise and Carly in this thought-provoking drama that explores family dynamics, race, colonialism and cancel culture.Clint Dyer (Othello) and Roy Williams (Sucker Punch) reunite to write this powerful new play, the final, standalone chapter of the award-winning Death of England series.This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, London, in September 2023.
Project Dictator: or 'Why Democracy is Overrated and I Don't Miss It At All' (Modern Plays)
by Rhum + ClayIt's time you realised that your show is a thing of the past. It's dead. A fragment of history. This is the future and I need you to come on board.Their choice? To die onstage - or off it.Beautiful and bonkers - it's the clown show about totalitarianism you never knew you needed. Rhum + Clay's Project Dictator was informed and inspired by conversations with international artists living under authoritarian regimes. It returned for a UK tour after critically-acclaimed runs at New Diorama Theatre in April 2022, and at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2022.Originally commissioned by New Diorama Theatre for its 10th Anniversary Season, Project Dictator was also supported using public funding from Arts Council England. This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour starting in September 2023.
Project Dictator: or 'Why Democracy is Overrated and I Don't Miss It At All' (Modern Plays)
by Rhum + ClayIt's time you realised that your show is a thing of the past. It's dead. A fragment of history. This is the future and I need you to come on board.Their choice? To die onstage - or off it.Beautiful and bonkers - it's the clown show about totalitarianism you never knew you needed. Rhum + Clay's Project Dictator was informed and inspired by conversations with international artists living under authoritarian regimes. It returned for a UK tour after critically-acclaimed runs at New Diorama Theatre in April 2022, and at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2022.Originally commissioned by New Diorama Theatre for its 10th Anniversary Season, Project Dictator was also supported using public funding from Arts Council England. This edition was published to coincide with the UK tour starting in September 2023.