A dream play in which Katharine Hepburn the Life Force meets Franz Kafka the Death Force and tries to change his attitude. Set in a sanatorium amid biological warfare.

From Scene 1, Act One, on the terrace of the Sanatorium Ultime:

Franz: If you wanted to, Katharine of Arrogance, you could be as sick as the rest of the human race.
Kate: Oh boy, is this place big enough for the both of us? Mr. Kafka: Do you live to live or do you live to die?
Franz: We’re forever stumbling through unfinished suicides, give it up!
Kate: Your attitude offends me in the extreme. Leave this table!

Synopsis & excerpts

Production History

Reading: ASHLAND NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL 2002, dir. Andrea Frye, with cast from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Suzanne Irving as Kate, Richard Farrell as Franz, Kevin Kenerly and Andy Carey as the Guards.

Reading: ALBEE Last Frontier Theatre Conference 2001, dir. Carla Seaquist.

Reading: Kitchen Dog Theater (Dallas), New Works Festival 2001, dir. Tim Johnson.

Semi-finalist: Trustus Playwrights Festival, 2001

Reading: The 29th Street Rep (New York), New Works Series, dir. Michael Hillyer. With Paula Ewin as Kate.

Comments

David Rambo, playwright, God’s Man in Texas (host, Ashland New Plays Festival): “A literate, delightful collision of implausibility, wit, and big ideas that just works brilliantly.”

Andrea Frye, director: “A fabulous, life-affirming play.”

Jiri Fisher, director (Vaclav Havel’s Audience): “Outstanding.”

A.S.K. Theatre Projects: “Clever and unique. A highly original sense of style.”

A regional theatre: “A fabulous act of speculation.”

A MacArthur “genius”: “A brilliant act of imagination.”



CarlaSeaquist.com
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