The Ethicist (excerpt)

Synopsis:

Hudson O’Neill, the US President’s son, has been convicted of rape.  In the final days of his presidency, his father, Bill, must decide whether or not to pardon him, given that the incoming administration will be doing its utmost to seek retribution.

In order to help resolve his ethical dilemma, as he is very mindful of his presidential legacy, he and his wife, Christine, seek the advice of a renowned ethicist, Edwina Karras.

It turns out that Edwina herself is a survivor of rape, and so, in breach of her promise of confidentiality, she arranges to meet with Hudson’s accuser, Angela, in order to make her own judgement re Hudson’s guilt or otherwise.

She reports back to the O’Neills that she found Angela convincing.  The O’Neills are furious with Angela over her breach of trust, but Bill decides to meet with Angela himself.

He also finds her convincing, but Christine won’t hear of it.  She feels that the failure to pardon their son would constitute a breach of Bill’s wedding vows, thereby placing their marriage at risk.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a 3-hander:  2 females, 1 male
CHRISTINE O’NEILL  73
BILL O’NEILL  82
EDWINA KARRAS  36 / ANGELA BRISSENDEN 40 – one actor

Running-time:  80 minutes

Production History:  Not yet produced.

Excerpt available for download for free.