The DFW Playwriting Series Presents

Morphine
(a full-length comedy/drama)
by Gary D. Swaim ©  2009
Written and Directed by Gary D. Swaim
Assistant Director, John Moseley

Cast of Characters

Nick Clowers
Brad Smeaton
John Moseley
Kim Brentham
Mary Tharp Booty
Shawn Brentham

One Night Only --Tuesday Evening, June 9th (7:30-9:30ish)
Admission is Free: Donations are suggested

A Staged Reading presented by The Dallas Hub Theater &
The DFW Playwrights’ Alliance

2809 Canton St. in Deep Ellum (Dallas)
(214) 749-7010

Synopsis

Dr. Benjamin has undergone heart surgery and finds himself in the predicament of acquiring almost everything the hospital has to give him in the way of other illnesses, resulting in a 6-month hospitalization with 54 days in a coma.  During his hospital stay, he encounters himself through morphine-induced hallucinations and the actions of his family and friends.

Cast of Characters in Order of Appearance

Player 1 – age 20 – 40, doltish/clownish figure who seems very aware of his “inadequacies but pretends otherwise.  He is a morphine-induced “reality” and doubles both as a doctor and a judge. His role is played “over the top.”

Player 2 -  age 70’s, while doltish/clownish himself, he is far wiser than player 1 (which doesn’t take much)  He, too, is a morphine-induced “reality” and doubles both as a doctor and a baliff. His role, too, is played “over the top.”
                       
Benjamin – age 70’’s, a writer and professor (English, Creative Writing, and Philosophy).  While reasonably professorial, he has a dry wit.

Nurse – age 20 – 40, a very bright young woman who is a continuing  university student and would very much like to be a college professor.  She is absolutely a caring attendant to Benjamin

Wife – age 70’s, a deeply loving wife who will do anything at all for the husband, Benjamin, she loves.

Son – age 40’s – early 50’s, an attorney, most adept at his trade and a loyal and loving son of Benjamin

Multiple Off-Stage Voices