Gropius

Synopsis:

A parable of the dynamics of fascism played out in 16 haircuts over 25 years.

Otto, the village barber, surrounded by his coterie of idle friends, is visited by a man – a travelling salesman hawking a powerful tonic – Gropius – which is guaranteed to make those who imbibe it bigger, stronger, better.  It is August, 1920.

Thereafter, the man drops in every year or two to renew his contacts.  At first, he is treated as something of a joke but, as the years pass, he becomes absorbed into their world, and they into his.  But by the time they realise what’s happening – May 7, 1945 – it’s too late.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a 7-hander:  1 female, 6 males:
THE MAN
OTTO
SHTUM
THE PROFESSOR
HERCULE / HANK – one actor.
KONRAD / GENERAL DORFF / NOAH / BOK / VAN / LUTHER / KURT / COLONEL CLAUS / HARVEY – one actor.
MATILDA / EVE – one actress.

Production History:  Not yet produced.

Running-time: 140 minutes.

Only available in hard copy, which can be obtained through the author.