A Fantasy in Two Acts and Four Realms by William Fowkes

There’s more to family life than conquests and migrations.

SYNOPSIS: In a violent world, it takes special skills to survive—and thrive. In this fantasy play, one family and their clan evolve through the centuries, negotiating their way through changing relationships and striving for personal fulfillment. From ancient Mexico and eighteenth century Europe to present-day Scarsdale and a future time and place, they learn that there’s more to family life than conquests and migrations. But can this more enlightened future last?  

SETTING: A blank stage representing the interior of different dwellings.

TIME: Spanning many centuries from the past to the future.

CAST BREAKDOWN:

Ivor (pronounced “Eye-verr”):  Male.  Late 30s. Father. Aggressive and strong. Sometimes violent and insensitive, but capable of being more humane—as the situation permits.  In 12 scenes.

Irene: Female. Late 30s. Mother. Nurturing, sensitive, and artistic. Sometimes harried, sometimes a fragile, lost soul, and sometimes a great leader—as the situation permits.  In 14 scenes.

Ike: Male. Age 17. Son. Sometimes achievement-oriented, popular, and successful, but other times just weird.  In 11 scenes.

Iris: Female. Age 16. Daughter. Very smart and accommodating, but frustrated and nasty when stymied. In 11 scenes.

SCENES:

Act One

THE FIRST REALM: 8th Century – Mexico

Scene 1: Late afternoon.

Scene 2: A few weeks later.

Scene 3: A few weeks later. Evening.

THE SECOND REALM: 18th Century – Europe

Scene 4: Late afternoon.

Scene 5: A few weeks later. Late afternoon.

Scene 6: A few weeks later. Early evening.

Scene 7: Later that night.

Act Two

THE THIRD REALM: 21st Century – Scarsdale, NY

Scene 1: Late afternoon.

Scene 2: Late afternoon a few months later.

Scene 3: One evening a few weeks later.

Scene 4: One evening two weeks later.

THE FOURTH REALM: A Future Time and Place

Scene 5: Late afternoon.

Scene 6: One evening a few months later.

Scene 7: Later that night.

PRODUCTION NOTE

This play can be staged either very simply or more elaborately. For a simple production, the set can consist of a blank stage with props as needed and noted in the script. For costumes, the cast can be dressed in casual black clothing throughout the play. Alternatively, each of the four “realms” presented can be fleshed out with scenery and/or clothing appropriate for its period.