TRIFLES
By Susan Glaspell Directed by Marla Nuttman Trifles centers on two women who, while examining the “feminine trifles” of another woman’s life, unravel a mystery using observation, empathy, and compassion. They then must decide what to do with that knowledge. Written and first performed in 1916, Trifles examines the public vs private lives of women. It has often been anthologized in textbooks, and still resonates today. Characters: Mrs. Peters: Adult Female, slightly younger than Mrs. Hale. Mrs. Hale: Adult Female, slightly older than Mrs. Peters. George Henderson: Adult Male. County prosecutor. Young and brash. Lewis Hale: Adult Male. A farmer. Henry Peters: Adult Male. Sheriff Young Minnie: Female, 9-12 (a cappella singing role, no dialogue) |
FOOL FOR LOVE
By Sam Shepard Directed by Lance Nuttman Sam Shepard's Pulitzer Prize nominated Fool For Love is a tale of two passionate people who are locked together by a turbulent past. Eddie is an overconfident cowboy who has arrived at a run-down Motel near the Mojave Desert to rescue May, whether she wants to be rescued or not. They don't know how to live with each other but cannot bear living without each other. As the play unfolds, we learn of the mistakes and imperfections of their families that led them to this moment. The Old Man (who exists only in Eddie and May’s minds) looks on, and the arrival of a potential suitor for May builds to a fiery ending. Characters: Eddie: Male, 30-40. An aging modern-day cowboy. Confident, virile, cocky, insecure. Very physical role that involves intimacy and staged physicality with May, and stage combat with Martin. Ability to rope and do a backflip or cartwheel a plus. Delivers a large monologue. May: Female, early 30s. Strong willed but emotionally damaged. Loves and hates Eddie passionately. This role requires intimacy and staged physicality with Eddie, and an on-stage costume change / undressing. Delivers a large monologue. The Old Man: Male, 50+. Charismatic, rugged, scraggly. Dusty California desert drifter vibe. Delivers several monologues. Martin: Male, late 20s to 40. A simple and honest man, perhaps a bit naïve. This role involves scuffling with and tackling Eddie. |