Man Who Stayed by His Negative

Short Play, Dramatic Comedy / 5m, 2f

A man stands by a mailbox almost like a sentry, claiming he must "see the mailman come and pick up the mail." He refuses to listen to reason, take advice, or face reality, but what is reality?

Man Who Stayed by His Negative

Cast Size
5m, 2f
Target Audience
- Adult
- Senior
- Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Additional Info

Here is a study of stubbornness, faith or love held beyond a normal point. A man standing sentry by a mailbox can't be persuaded to leave. He refuses to answer questions as to why he stands there from morning through cold winter night. Nothing save a possible ghost and two funny young toughs cause him to move. And when he drags himself back to the box, he outwardly ignores an old woman's words and declines to take a fast look at reality. What is the "normal point" and whose reality do you accept?

Considerations

Performing Groups

High School/Secondary
College Theatre / Student
Community Theatre
Shoestring Budget
Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups

Cautions

Mild Adult Themes

License details

Minimum Fee: $55 per performance

Production

Details

Time Period: Contemporary, Present Day
Setting: A street corner on a winter night.
Features / Contains: Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes

Music

Musical Style: N/A (Not a musical)
Vocal Demands: N/A (Not a musical)
Chorus Size: N/A (Not a musical)

Casting

5m, 2f

THE MAN
POLICEMAN
MAN IN THE WINDOW
OLD WOMAN
YOUNG WOMAN WHO DRIFTS BY
GEORGE
CHARLIE

See all +

Cast Attributes

Non-Traditional casting
Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)

Resources

Scripts

Authors

Peter Dee

Produced at the Establishment Coffee House, Nantucket Island, August 24, 1968. Directed by Ken Ross

Man Who Stayed by His Negative

Man Who Stayed by His Negative