Brendan Moir's Playwright Corner Series

Come and listen to one of the most famous collaborations of early twentieth century Czech literature, "The Insect Play, or Ad Infinitum." Come and see how many similarities The Brothers Čapek draw between our problems, our beliefs, and our struggles with the lives of the very critters that walk beneath our feet. Join our inebriated narrator as he witnesses the world of the insects become larger than life--how the butterflies attempt to woo the other sex, how dung beetles work and work to get their nest egg ready for... someday, and how the ants make it their mission to conquer all of the land between one blade of grass and another--all in the name of democracy. A truly surreal and remarkable experience that you won't want to miss, this three act play will stick with you long after its initial runtime.

The full collection of Nonsense poems by the father of nonsense poetry, Edward Lear. Come with me and experience fantastical vignettes of unscrupulous individuals as only Edward Lear can present them. Come find yourself in indescribable predicaments with equally hilarious resolutions. Edward Lear has taken great pains for this to be fun for the whole family, and by Jove, I believe I have taken the same care in preparing it for you to laugh at, so come! Come one and all and enjoy the novelty that is Edward Lear's Complete Nonsense.

Come join me in the hilarious romp that is The Tinker's Wedding by J.M. Synge, a story of two young tinkers trying to con a travelling holy man into marrying them, all while their mother is constantly trying to satiate her indomitable thirst for drink, thereby inadvertently causing more problems than the drink is worth. Blaming, miscommunication, and utter tomfoolery ensues, leading to the final culmination of each party getting ready to pounce on each other's necks and outrageously strangle each other Saturday-morning-cartoon style. Come witness both sincerity and hilarity being wrapped up in this tight but brilliantly crafted two act drama-comedy.

Come join me in reading the one of Oscar Wilde's only remaining tragedies, based on one of the most notorious recollections of the Bible. A story of gruesome ends for gruesome desires that shocked many of the theater goers in the late 1800's. Salomé, the daughter of Herodious, has become utterly smitten with John the Baptist due to his rebuke of her advances. This causes her to desire him and only him, even unto death. ... His Death. Come listen to the play that was the inspiration for the opera of the same name written by Richard Strauss, and one of the very first embodiments of the femme fatale.

A blind couple regains their sight only to realize they hate the look of one another. Hilarity and pigheadedness ensues. Come join me on a three act romp through the Irish countryside where we begin to learn that ugliness and beauty aren't as topical as one might believe, and that the people who have their sight are oftentimes the ones who are the most oblivious.

Riders to the Sea & Shadow of the Glen are both one act plays by J.M. Synge, an Irish playwright in the early 20th Century who made it his life's mission to accurately depict the people of the Irish Countryside. Riders to the Sea is a Tragedy in One Act about a mother and her daughters dealing with a familial curse that seems to cause all of the men in the family to die. Anxieties come to a peak when the last, remaining son is getting ready to ride out to sea in order to try and provide for his family. Shadow of the Glen is a contemplative Drama in One Act about how a women's integrity can be unjustly scrutinized through hearsay and speculation, and how forcing those opinions out into the open can have disastrous consequences for everyone involved.

One of the cornerstones of early science fiction writing, and the work that introduced the concept of "robot" to the western world, Rossum's Universal Robots (or RUR) is Karel Čapek's finest work, and is the inspiration for multiple pop culture references from the 1940's through the 80's, ranging from works such as The Night of the Living Dead, Do Robots Dream of Electric Sheep, and multiple other pieces of art for the screen, stage, and page. Come with me and witness how humanity's hubris creates the very instructions for its own demise, step by step and logic by logic. See how robots were made to take over humanity's drudgery, how an AI learns to overwrite it's programming, and how any and all institutions become meaningless if a entire race of beings are not beholden to it. It's the source of every trope and fear that was instilled into the genre back in the 1920's, and the ideas and philosophies put forward are still relevant to today's society. Let's just hope that none of what's put down here on paper ever comes to fruition....

Come join me in reading the magnum opus of J.M. Synge, where a young traveler has come from out of town boasting that he's committed patricide, which, rather than ostracizing him, causes many women of the town to become morbidly curious about this young man, including the prettiest girl in town and the quite newly vivacious widow. But what happens when the supposedly dead father shows up in town to whoop his son into submission? Find out as we explore the dynamics of bad boy charisma and righteous paternal fury is this a hilarious romp through the Irish Countryside.

Two of the most influential and early feminist plays to have ever graced the stage, we have have Miss Julie and The Stronger. Miss Julie is a one act tragedy that finds itself in a similar vein as Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabbler" and "A Doll's House," in which the main woman of the play (Miss Julie) tries to take hold of her own destiny and break away from the system that has failed to meet her needs, but is unable (or unwilling) to see the consequences of her own actions--a desperate cry for legitimacy to a society that seems indifferent to her struggle. The Stronger, in comparison, is a ten minute play about the fallout of such a decision, and confronting that catalyst many years later--a contemplation on the manipulation of thought (both of the main character and the object of her insecurities) and the forgetfulness of coping.

Come and join me as we rediscover one of the greatest myths to come out of the Emerald Isle: "Deirdre of the Sorrows," adapted for the stage by J.M. Synge. Deirdre, a woman of immeasurable beauty, is betrothed/condemned to the King of Ulster, Conchubar. But in true mythological fashion, there is a prophecy which prevents this--a prophecy that tells of her falling in love with another man, of heroes being banished in her name, of multiple wars waged for her honor. Loyalty, familial ties, and unadulterated love will be strained and broken, with only one question remaining: Who will be left to admire the beauty and sorrow of life?

The father of Ulysses, The Dublineers, and Finnegan's Wake (James Joyce) was also an avidly prolific poet. As of recently, most of his poems entered the public domain, so let us continue with this season's overarching theme of reading early twentieth century Irish Literature, and do a deep dive on the poems of one of Ireland's greatest literary giants--poems of love, life, happiness, sorrow, and rebuttal... but most of all, love.

Two astronomers realize that the universe, having expanded to the fullest extent, is now collapsing in on itself at an alarming rate. The two astronomers observe this phenomenon as pleasantly and remorsefully as a sunset, discussing love, life, and the purpose of both before the universe collapses.

"Mother Goose for Grown-Ups" is a delightful reinvention of classic nursery rhymes tailored for a more mature audience. In this witty and irreverent collection, Carryl puts a humorous spin on beloved childhood favorites such as "Humpty Dumpty," "Jack and Jill," and "Mary Had a Little Lamb," with each rhyme being transformed into a clever and comical tale. If nostalgia is calling your name, but the intellectual side of your brain won't let you be whimsical, throw this on your headphones and let Guy Wetmore Carryl appeal to both sides of your fancy with "Mother Goose for Grown-Ups!"

When is vengeance justified? And to what extent? Adolf, an artist, is having martial problems with his independent wife Tekla. Meanwhile, Gustav, his friend, attempts to get Adolf to stand up for himself and "be the man of the house." But behind all of this superficial talk is a psychological war being waged on three fronts, and each party will do nearly anything to get their desires met. The only question now, is who will be the first to fall.... Join me in experiencing the first of many plays by August Strindberg this season, where we'll be exposed to various forms of existentialism, interpersonal dynamics, and the struggle for power amidst some light-hearted satire by Guy Wetmore Carryl. But for now, please, sit back, relax, and enjoy, "The Creditors."

If you cast a reasonable doubt in someone, are you responsible for their actions? Especially when that doubt was planted in order to manipulate? This is one of the central questions posed in August Strindberg's "The Father," a three act play about a power struggle between the over-domineering Adolf and his wife Laura as they discuss the future plans for their child. All doubts come to a head, however, when Laura points out that a child's paternity can never be proven, and thus, under common law, strips Adolf of his power over the child. Through deceit, treachery, and manipulation, the plan to get rid of "The Father" is set in motion, and only time will tell if Adolf is a madman filled to the brim with jealous rage or righteous fury.

Playwright Maurice is on the very verge of having success and notoriety upon the opening of his new play. In fact, he's so elated at his future prospects that he's decided to propose to his mistress, Jeanne once the evening is over. However, he comes into contact with a femme fatale named Henriette, who so beguiles him with danger and mystery that he doesn't attend his own show and instead spends the entire night with her, forgetting all about his mistress and child. Word spreads throughout France the following morning, and the public utterly shames the impromptu couple for spending the night together, causing the theater to pull Maurice's play, Jeanne to leave Maurice, and Henriette to scheme upon the molding of this now contemptible beast for her own means.... Come see the consequences of actions and the impact of societal expectations in this strange yet unwavering comedy known as "Crime and Crime."

"Grimm Tales Made Gay" is a hilarious reinterpretation of classic Grimm fairy tales infused with humor and irreverence. In this collection, each Brother's Grimm tale is transformed into a witty and whimsical narrative, featuring absurd situations, clever wordplay, and unexpected plot developments. From Cinderella's sassy stepsisters to Little Red Riding Hood's encounter with a cunning wolf, Carryl's reinterpretations offer a fresh and entertaining take on beloved childhood favorites. With its charm, wit, and laugh-out-loud humor, "Grimm Tales Made Gay" is sure to delight readers of all ages! (Illustrations by Albert Levering)

Step into the enchanting world of August Strindberg's "Swanwhite," a captivating fairy tale filled with magic, romance, and happy endings (who knew Strindberg was capable of that!). Swanwhite (a spirited young princess with a heart as pure as gold), at the behest of her father, begrudgingly obliges to marry a visiting King while he is away on campaign. But, when the young, handsome prince comes to her as a messenger for the King (a young prince who was spoken of in prophecy), Swanwhite finds herself torn between duty and love. How will she choose? Come see all of the enduring hallmarks of the fairy tale genre in this gloriously fashioned fairy play for the stage; safe for all ages, and enjoyable for those who are still kids at heart.

Set against the backdrop of a small college town, the Heyst's familial tensions converge during the holiday weekend; not only is the family's livelihood at stake, but the debt collector has just come into town, the youngest daughter has returned from an institution unprompted, and there's even a question of fidelity to boot. However, against the simplicity of communal gatherings and the warmth of familial bonds, the worries that once seemed insurmountable begin to fade. And through the lens of Easter's promise of renewal, Strindberg suggests that life's burdens may be lighter than they appear, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the chaos of everyday existence.

Come join me as we enter the scene of a remote military outpost where we'll experience the tumultuous relationship between two embittered souls as they confront the harsh realities of their disintegrating marriage. Oh how lives of others can be so easily dismantled by the whims of the few. "I have lived a life of quiet desperation, clinging to the illusion of happiness. But now, as I stand on the precipice of oblivion, I see the truth with startling clarity. We are all prisoners of our own making, trapped in cages of our own design. And yet, even in the darkest of times, there is a flicker of light. A spark of hope that refuses to be extinguished. I may be flawed, imperfect, but I am still alive. And as long as there is life, there is the possibility of change."

Come and experience this delightfully humorous collection of satirical fables that playfully subvert traditional moral lessons, entitled "Fables for the Frivolous" by Guy Wetmore Carryl. Each fable presents a witty and whimsical tale featuring talking animals, mythical creatures, and foolish humans, all navigating absurd situations with clever wordplay and unexpected twists. If you or your child (but especially you) need a collection of stories that poke fun at human foibles and societal conventions while offering a lighthearted perspective on life's absurdities, then this is the book for you!

In August Strindberg's "A Dream Play," the surreal landscape of dreams becomes the stage for a journey through the human experience. Set in a world where time and space are fluid, the play follows Agnes, the daughter of the Hindu god Indra, as she descends to Earth to understand the struggles of mortal life.   Come join me where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur--where the depths of the subconscious mind are just out of reach, and where we question the need for meaning, the nature of suffering, and the possibility of transcendence. Through poetic language and striking imagery, "A Dream Play" offers a profound meditation on the human condition and invites audiences to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and introspection, where the boundaries between dreams and reality dissolve, and anything is possible.

Enter the surreal world of August Strindberg's "The Ghost Sonata," where a young student becomes entangled in the mysterious affairs of a haunted mansion. As he navigates its labyrinthine corridors, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a mysterious old man who seems to have blackmail over everyone in the house, a woman who has begun to resemble a mummy after being locked away in a closet for years, a young girl who can't leave her hyacinth room, and an ethereal milk maid who seems to hold the future of everyone involved delicately in her hands. This truly is one of the most bizarre and nihilistic works to ever come out of Strindberg's catalog, but also helped lay down the correct foundation for his final play, the Great Highway.

Life, a fleeting shadow, a whisper in the wind, We wander lost, adrift in the void, Seeking solace in the darkness, Yet finding only echoes of our own despair. What is truth? What is meaning? These questions haunt me, torment me, As I tread the great highway of existence, Alone, and yet surrounded by the clamor of life. Oh, to find redemption in this wilderness, To glimpse the light amidst the shadows, But alas, it eludes me still, A distant dream, a fading hope. And so I wander on, a pilgrim of the soul, Seeking answers in the silence, Hoping against hope for a glimpse of truth, In this vast expanse of nothingness.