Set: Sparse furnishings to suggest a grand house in India, 1857.
Synopsis: Amid the uprising against the East India Company in the 1850s, Clara has commissioned a portrait - to closely resemble Botticelli's 'Birth Of Venus', but depicting
her as an old woman. The Artist, Nathanial, arrives with his canvas and oils, and they share the last moments of an Indian Summer together.
Running time: Around 25 minutes (Caution! This is very dependent on your production.)
Notes: 'The basic shape of this play was floating around in my head for some time before it appeared on the page. I liked the idea of setting a one act play in a particular
moment in history, and to let that historical moment gently inform the action on stage. I also liked the image of an artist arriving to paint his latest commission, only to find
more than he bargains for in his subject.
The play deals with faith, loss and betrayal but, ultimately, is a love story too. Although their love is never consummated, the feelings the two protagonists undoubtedly have for
one another are enough to send them off into new chapters in their lives.'
Published: 2010
First Produced: 'Cakes & Ale', Lincoln, UK 2011
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SAMPLE SCENE
Clara: (Off stage) You’re late.
Nathanial: There was a skirmish. I had to find another way. I’m sorry.
(Clara enters again, Nathanial following after her. He is a young man dressed smartly in a linen suit, a panama hat on his head. He carries a small case spattered with paint.)
Nathanial: What a lovely room.
Clara: I thought the light would be best in here. Do you not take your hat off in the presence of a lady?
Nathanial: (Takes off his hat) I beg your pardon.
Clara: Would you like a drink?
Nathanial: Yes. It’s very hot today.
Clara: It’s always hot. Water? It’s clean.
Nathanial: Water would be fine.
(Clara exits Stage Right. Nathanial stands alone, awkwardly, until Clara returns. She hands him a drink.)
Nathanial: Thank you.
Synopsis: Amid the uprising against the East India Company in the 1850s, Clara has commissioned a portrait - to closely resemble Botticelli's 'Birth Of Venus', but depicting
her as an old woman. The Artist, Nathanial, arrives with his canvas and oils, and they share the last moments of an Indian Summer together.
Running time: Around 25 minutes (Caution! This is very dependent on your production.)
Notes: 'The basic shape of this play was floating around in my head for some time before it appeared on the page. I liked the idea of setting a one act play in a particular
moment in history, and to let that historical moment gently inform the action on stage. I also liked the image of an artist arriving to paint his latest commission, only to find
more than he bargains for in his subject.
The play deals with faith, loss and betrayal but, ultimately, is a love story too. Although their love is never consummated, the feelings the two protagonists undoubtedly have for
one another are enough to send them off into new chapters in their lives.'
Published: 2010
First Produced: 'Cakes & Ale', Lincoln, UK 2011
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SAMPLE SCENE
Clara: (Off stage) You’re late.
Nathanial: There was a skirmish. I had to find another way. I’m sorry.
(Clara enters again, Nathanial following after her. He is a young man dressed smartly in a linen suit, a panama hat on his head. He carries a small case spattered with paint.)
Nathanial: What a lovely room.
Clara: I thought the light would be best in here. Do you not take your hat off in the presence of a lady?
Nathanial: (Takes off his hat) I beg your pardon.
Clara: Would you like a drink?
Nathanial: Yes. It’s very hot today.
Clara: It’s always hot. Water? It’s clean.
Nathanial: Water would be fine.
(Clara exits Stage Right. Nathanial stands alone, awkwardly, until Clara returns. She hands him a drink.)
Nathanial: Thank you.
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
INDIAN SUMMER
(Click the title to read the whole script online at Lazy Bee Scripts)
'A moving drama' Cakes & Ale, Lincoln
Cast: 1m, 1f
NATHANIAL, 30s. Disillusioned priest turned artist on the run from the truth.
CLARA, 20s or 30s. Beautiful young wife of an errant husband, determined to test his love.
(Click the title to read the whole script online at Lazy Bee Scripts)
'A moving drama' Cakes & Ale, Lincoln
Cast: 1m, 1f
NATHANIAL, 30s. Disillusioned priest turned artist on the run from the truth.
CLARA, 20s or 30s. Beautiful young wife of an errant husband, determined to test his love.
Richard James / Actor & Playwright
Home Showreel/CV One Act Plays Full Length Plays Plays for Kids "Professional Tips" Contact Family History
| Indian Summer in performance... |
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................