Choice

Synopsis:

Choice is something we all crave.  The greater the number of choices we are given in our lives, the greater the degree of control we have – or so the theory goes.  But for the three generations of women in the one family, unfettered choice becomes more of a tyranny than a freedom.

This entertaining script nimbly dances between insightful, incisive comedy and the sad, sometimes distressing reality that naked truth can bring to bear on family relationships.  It has been described as a tragedy in 36 flavours.

Character Breakdown:

Five-hander:  3 females, 2 males
CONSTANCE  55+
AMELIA  35 – 50
TILLY  17 – 25 / ATTENDANT / MARIE – one actor.
MCPHERSON / ATTENDANT / SALESMAN / GIDEON / AGENT / FUNERAL DIRECTOR – one actor.
HARTNETT / DOCTOR / MINISTER / DR CULVER / GEOFFREY / PSYCHIATRIST

Production History:

World Premiere:  !994.   Hunter Valley Theatre Co., Newcastle.

Other Productions:
1994.  Q Theatre, Penrith.
Theatre South, Woollongong.
Orange, Dubbo
New England
South-West NSW
Riverina Theatre Co
1997.  Sweet Art, Springbrook, Queensland
1999.  Not Another Theatre Company, Albury/Wodonga.

Published:  1994.  Currency Press.

Reviews:

“.. winningly catchy in its sharp-edged humour.. biting in its forensic scrutiny.. very potent theatre.. supple and sinewy in its writing and alternately biting and funny..”
Adrian Wintle, The Daily Advertiser.

“.. subtle and disturbing..”
Marea Mitchell, The Australian

“.. a myriad of hilarious characters.. a huge slice of life – funny and tragic..”
Phil Kafcaloudes, The Blue Mountains Gazette

“.. much humour and poignancy.. full of witty one-liners and wry observations..”
Tanya Spriggs

Running-time: 120 minutes.

This play is only available in hard copy.  ISBN  0 86819 396 8.  However, this is a pre-production draft only.  A final draft may be obtained by application to the author.