Several figures from famous works of poetry meet in a waiting room for an unknown purpose. As their fate becomes clear, they must fight for their very existence, leading to questions about censorship, the endurance of classic art in modern contexts, and the legacy of problematic creators.
Keywords: Poetry, book banning, censorship, cancel culture, historical figures, patriarchy, Sophocles, Chaucer, Poe, Tennyson
Performed in a staged reading with Western Edge Theatre as part of New Waves Festival, Nanaimo BC, February 2023
Winner, Best Play and Best Original Script, Vancouver Island One Act Play Festival, Qualicum BC, 2025
Genre: Comedy, Historical, Dark Comedy
Acts: 1
Run time: 42 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Content notes: Contains references to/discussions of systemic child abuse, rape, grooming, and abuse of women (no portrayals and no graphic details). Brief coarse language (alternative options are provided).
Cast size: 5 actors
Male roles: 1
Female roles: 4
Casting notes: Bonnie requires a Scottish accent. Bath and Shalott should have British accents, but directors may take liberties as they see fit. Ideally, Bath is played by a performer who is 40+. Lenore should appear no older than 30. Shalott and Bonnie may be any age provided they are youthful in countenance. Oedipus should be believably between 35 - 50. All roles can be played by any ethnicity - it is ultimately a fantasy.