Trance (excerpt)

Synopsis:

Ashraf, the brutal, autocratic leader of a Middle-Eastern regime, has narrowly escaped death by an assassin’s bullet during a speech.  As a result, he now has a phobia about public speaking.  In order to overcome this, he enlists the aid of Gabriel, a world-renowned hypnotherapist.

Gabriel’s wife, Adriana, is appalled that he is prepared to help a man with such an appalling human rights record, but Gabriel refuses to judge him.

At the same time, Gabriel is consulted by Oscar, a married man who is in the midst of a torrid extra-marital affair and whose conscience will give him no rest.

To complicate matters further, Gabriel is approached by ASIO, who have intel that Ashraf is planning a massive germ warfare attack on the Kurdish population in his country.  They are asking for his help in eliminating the threat.

Ultimately, the various threads of the narrative converge in a chilling climax that pits morality against pragmatism in an equation that has no solution.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a 4-hander: 3 males, 1 female.

GABRIEL OLAFSSEN – 50

ADRIANA CHURCH – 40

ASHRAF SHAHID – 35

OSCAR – 35 / GUARD / AGENT NESBITT  – one actor.

Running-time: 80 minutes.

Production History: Not yet produced.

Excerpt available for download for free.