Eleanor Descending a Staircase

by Ian August

SHORT COMEDY - A woman would like to buy a print of Marcel Duchamp's famous painting for her husband, but what seems like a simple transaction soon becomes anything but! How does one woman's impulse shopping spree become a maddening journey around the globe? Eleanor Descending a Staircase is a ridiculous comedy infused with tasteless puns, overwrought accents, and occasional echoes of Dadaist philosophy.

SHORT COMEDY - A woman would like to buy a print of Marcel Duchamp's famous painting for her husband, but what seems like a simple transaction soon becomes anything but! How does one woman's impulse shopping spree become a maddening journey around the globe? Eleanor Descending a Staircase is a ridiculous comedy infused with tasteless puns, overwrought accents, and occasional echoes of Dadaist philosophy.

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Eleanor Descending a Staircase

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Eleanor Descending a Staircase by Ian August
    “

    A hilarious comedy about art and a woman who just wanted to buy a present for her husband. Alas there is a very strict set of rules about what is art and what isn't that thwarts her. Very fun!

    A hilarious comedy about art and a woman who just wanted to buy a present for her husband. Alas there is a very strict set of rules about what is art and what isn't that thwarts her. Very fun!

    ”
  • Jim Siering: Eleanor Descending a Staircase by Ian August
    “

    This play is so funny I couldn’t stop laughing at the character list. It perfectly captures the gleeful nonsense of Dada, and skewers the lengths consumers will go to get what they want. Great fun!

    This play is so funny I couldn’t stop laughing at the character list. It perfectly captures the gleeful nonsense of Dada, and skewers the lengths consumers will go to get what they want. Great fun!

    ”
  • Steven Hayet: Eleanor Descending a Staircase by Ian August
    “

    I don’t know if “Eleanor Descending a Staircase“ is art or if it’s anti-art, but I know it’s hysterical.
    Ian August has written a gem of a short play that takes us around the world with sharp, witty, Monty Python-esque banter. Great roles for strong comedic actors. "Eleanor" would provide a jolt of absurd fun to any short play line-up.

    I don’t know if “Eleanor Descending a Staircase“ is art or if it’s anti-art, but I know it’s hysterical.
    Ian August has written a gem of a short play that takes us around the world with sharp, witty, Monty Python-esque banter. Great roles for strong comedic actors. "Eleanor" would provide a jolt of absurd fun to any short play line-up.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, FACT - Words and Wine Reading Series, NYC, 2010

Production History

  • Professional, Little Fish Theatre's Pick of the Vine, 2020
  • Professional, Williamstown Theatre Festival - Young Directors Series, Williamstown, MA , 2018
  • Community Theater, Chatham Community Players - Jersey Voices, Chatham, NJ, 2014
  • Professional, Theatrerats - Chester Horn Short Play Festival, NYC, 2009
  • Professional, Passage Theatre Company, 2008