SUSAN BATTYE STAGE PLAY LIST
MAY 2019
Did you know?
When a New Zealand school becomes a Playmarket subscriber a teacher can download a free reading copy of Susan Battye’s play manuscripts. For all other inquiries contact: info@dramamagic.com
Most of the plays listed below have either been drama workshopped or produced by schools over the past year.
Full Length Play: A Colonial Devotion
Newly-wed and pregnant Jane Deans arrives at Riccarton from Scotland in 1853, little knowing that her promised life to a successful Canterbury farmer will require every ounce of fortitude she can muster to survive. [First performed by Riccarton High School, Year 11 Drama, 2018 Dir. Paddy Scott) Cast: 30 without doubling. With doubling: 7 F, 8 M
Themes: Love, Devotion, Adventure, Conservation, Farming
One Act Play: Mocked
Lucinda recalls a boy related texting war between herself and former friend, Nina. Cast: 6 Female, 1 Male, 2 Either
Satirical style.
Themes: Misuse of Social Media, Fear of Gossip, Fear of Criticism
Dramatic Comedy Sketches
Kiwis in Paradise
American tourists, Bob and his wife Stacey encounter an enthusiastic Save the Kiwi collector, Amy, at the Franz Josef glacier Visitors’ Centre. [A 2016 Saving Endangered Species International Playwriting Competition finalist.] Cast 2 Female, 1 Male
Themes: Conservation, Tourism.
Virtual Reality
Gina is alone in her apartment with her virtual friend, when the Capitol Strangler comes calling. Cast: 1 Female, 1 Male, 1 Either
Themes: Anger, Fear of Isolation, Fear of Violence,
Mortified
Frankie’s loyalty to Aidan is tested when Morgan belittles Aidan. Cast: 3 Either
Themes: Embarrassment, Death, Loyalty.
Petrified
Alex’s offer to buy the pizzas on a first date turns into a vegan nightmare for Jesse.
Cast: 2 Either
Themes: Relationships, Beliefs, Fear of Rejection, Self-Image.
Dropped
Max’s exam fears meet Bobbie’s desire to avoid humiliation and friendship loss.
Cast: 2 Either
Themes: Fear of Failure, Achievement, Friendship, Self-Image.
On the Game
Mrs Swift’s careers’ meeting with Jamie goes awry as they talk at cross purposes.
Cast: 1 Female, 1 Male.
Themes: Misunderstanding, Hopes, Dreams, Sexuality.
Mates Rates
Jace’s attempt to corrupt a newbie skateboarder is thwarted by super sleuth, Sage.
Cast: 1 Female, 1 Male, 1 Either
Themes: Age, Popularity, Deception, Fear of Rejection.
Quagmire Blues
Elliott’s tramping group becomes bogged down on the mountain.
Cast: 4 Either
Themes: Allegiances, Safety fears, Temperament, Skills
Waltzing Matilda
History student Jules learns important lessons from an elderly Miss Matilda.
Cast: 3 Either
Themes: Relationships, Loves, Family History, Age, Social Class
Bird Brained
Quarrelsome birds band together to save Kelly Kiwi from a certain death.
Cast: 2 Female, 2 Male, 3 Either
Themes: Intelligence, Fears, Conservation, Prejudice
Teaspoons of Life
Vulnerable Doreen’s keepsake is stolen by an unscrupulous family member.
Cast: 3 Female
Themes: Aging, Deception, Family feuds, Hobbies
Normal
Avery’s fixation with normality erupts when Puck has some lunchtime fun.
Cast: 2 Female, 1 Either
Themes: Fear of Gossip and Rejection, Prejudice
