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A pdf copy of the play can be downloaded for reading purposes only. Please do not distribute or perform without my authority. I trust you. DOWNLOAD
Magpies is a one act play in five scenes about 35 to 40 minutes playing time for a cast of 1 male and 1 female. The genre is contemporary realism. The play tells the story of a relationship from first meeting to final parting. The play was first presented by Stagecraft in 1990, directed by Sambrene Chandler. This production won first prize in the New Zealand Theatre Festival competition at both local and regional level.
This play is related to three other one act plays, Peace, Clownes and Earwigs and it is possible that all four be presented together to produce a full evening's entertainment.
There are five scenes in different locations. The set should be kept as simple as possible, just blacks and a minimum of moveable properties. For the scene changes the actors can freeze while the set is quickly changed by the stage manager. There could be a dimming of lights for the set change, however this is not essential. If a curtain is available it should only be used at the start and end of the play. The set appurtenances should be as simple as possible, possibly just a couple of boxes painted black and a small card table.
BRIONY: A female aged from 25 to 40.
DAN: A male of matching age.
Scene 1. They meet at the opening of an exhibition of paintings. Scene 2: They have a rendevous at a fashionable restaurant. Scene 3: The post-coital scene; the morning after the first time. Scene 4: At the interval of a concert. Scene 5. The final argument and parting.
SCENE 1. THE OPENING OF AN EXHIBITION.
DAN IS TALKING TO VERONICA (WHO DOES NOT APPEAR ON STAGE). BRIONY ENTERS AND LOOKS AT A PICTURE WITH A LOOK OF "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS". SHE SEES VERONICA, WALKS OVER TO HER AND GIVES HER A PECK ON THE CHEEK. SHE IS INTRODUCED TO DAN.
DAN: Dan.
BRIONY: Briony.
DAN: Haven't we met somewhere before?
BRIONY: Another party, another play.
DAN: Oh. Nice to see you Veronica.
BRIONY: Yes, nice to see you. (THEY WATCH VERONICA GO).
BRIONY: (PAUSE) She's a gush isn't she?
DAN: I'm sorry, what did you say?
BRIONY: A gush. Veronica.
DAN: Oh Veronica. Yes, a veritable gush.
BRIONY: Do you know her well?
DAN: Only slightly.
BRIONY: That's understandable.
DAN: What?
BRIONY: That you should know her, slightly. Everyone knows her, only slightly.
DAN: Well I shouldn't wonder with that superficial flow of words. (PAUSE) Do
you know the artist?