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The Barbarians Are Coming

Short Play, Satire/Political Satire  /  3m

An excellent competition piece with Monty Python humor and a terrific message at the end. Two feudal lords trying to decide what type of tea to drink are
interrupted by a serf who is hysterically babbling about barbarians
laying siege to the castle. As the battle draws nearer, the serf grows
more frenzied and the lords converse on women and boulder heavers. When
the barbarians arrive, will raw muscle rule over culture and etiquette?

The Barbarians Are Coming

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    10 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Farce, Fantasy
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene work
    • Competition or audition material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Goshen Peace Prize
    Finalist! Samuel French Off Broadway Short Play Festival

Details

Summary

"I wonder what Barbarians talk about?," said one Medieval Lord to the other. "I don't know," said the other back, as two hungry peasants peered in the window plotting to steal a biscuit for their families...

A Monty Python-like play with a terrific message. Two feudal lords trying to decide what type of tea to drink are interrupted by a serf who is hysterically babbling about barbarians laying siege to the castle. As the battle draws nearer, the serf grows more frenzied and the lords converse on women and boulder heavers. When the barbarians arrive, will raw muscle rule over culture and etiquette? Hysterical moments and hilarious revelations climax in a powerful statement on who the barbarians are among us.

History
The Barbarians Are Coming was first presented at the Double Image Theatre in New York City on May 22, 1983. It was produced by Helen Warren Mayer and directed by the author.
GODFREE - Medieval Lord
SIDNEY - Medieval Lord
SERF 12
BARBARIAN

Feel free to change genders. This comedy works well with an all female, all male, or mixed cast. Be Creative! The parts of SERF 12 and BARBARIAN also may be played by the same performer.

  • Time Period Not Applicable
  • Features Fantasy Costumes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Local Celebrity Cameo, No intermission, Physical Comedy, Stage Combat, Not Applicable
  • Duration 10 minutes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

"Incredibly enjoyable piece to direct. Between the Monty Pythonesque silliness of the script and the zany nature of the dialogue, we had a lot of fun. What makes this one act so great is its ability to be outrageously humorous and yet leave audience members with an unexpected poignancy." - Goshen College

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $65 per performance

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Authors

Luigi Jannuzzi

Luigi Jannuzzi is an award-winning playwright of one-act theater pieces, as well as full-length plays, who combines romantic/absurdist comedy with serious themes of love, truth and the need to rise above it all. His one-act plays, such as A Bench at the Edge and The Barbarian ...

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