The Curse Of Dysfunction

by Adrian Baynard

Levi turned his back on his family a decade ago with no plans of looking back. The sudden death of his brother Abel finds him returning to his rural childhood home. He scrambles to provide stability for his teenage niece Kaylee but is met with constant issues. He must deal with his relapsing father, his brother’s wife who was an old flame, and Kaylee’s strange behavior. Her situation soon intensifies as Levi’s...

Levi turned his back on his family a decade ago with no plans of looking back. The sudden death of his brother Abel finds him returning to his rural childhood home. He scrambles to provide stability for his teenage niece Kaylee but is met with constant issues. He must deal with his relapsing father, his brother’s wife who was an old flame, and Kaylee’s strange behavior. Her situation soon intensifies as Levi’s grip on reality starts to blend with dark memories and terrifying nightmares. As his sanity wains, Levi must take action or lose what’s left of his family. Beckoned on by his brother, Levi learns that Abel may be dead but his agenda is clear. His daughter is hungry and she must feed. Levi will find out what he’s willing to do to protect his niece and embrace what dark traits she has inherited from them all

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

The Curse Of Dysfunction

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: The Curse Of Dysfunction

    I was satisfyingly surprised by so much of what happened in this. The atmosphere is thick and foreboding from the start, and a real three-dimensional sense of place is established well. I loved the toggling between dream world and reality, and the moments when the line between the two blurred. Kaylee is awesomely creepy and the exploration of family trauma and passing on dysfunction and addiction is echoed in many characters, images, and moments. Lots of potential for interesting lighting and sound design and movement direction.

    I was satisfyingly surprised by so much of what happened in this. The atmosphere is thick and foreboding from the start, and a real three-dimensional sense of place is established well. I loved the toggling between dream world and reality, and the moments when the line between the two blurred. Kaylee is awesomely creepy and the exploration of family trauma and passing on dysfunction and addiction is echoed in many characters, images, and moments. Lots of potential for interesting lighting and sound design and movement direction.

  • Bryan Montemayor: The Curse Of Dysfunction

    This play is dark, gritty, and beautiful. The Curse of Dysfunction gives us the staples of great horror within a story about a man learning to confront the harsh realities of his past. As we follow Levi's journey, we are forced to ask ourselves how far we will go to protect our family, to accept them as they are, despite the danger they might present to the wider world. Baynard has created a world that is visceral, complex, and fitting of the genre it represents.

    This play is dark, gritty, and beautiful. The Curse of Dysfunction gives us the staples of great horror within a story about a man learning to confront the harsh realities of his past. As we follow Levi's journey, we are forced to ask ourselves how far we will go to protect our family, to accept them as they are, despite the danger they might present to the wider world. Baynard has created a world that is visceral, complex, and fitting of the genre it represents.

  • Imani Vaughn-Jones: The Curse Of Dysfunction

    THE CURSE OF DYSFUNCTION is a treat for fans of horror theatre. Behind the everpresent threat of violence is a story about secrecy, infidelity, and familial obligation. The show is a rollercoaster of the surreal and the macabre, all stabilized by the very real love the family has for each other. The SFX will be an incredibly fun element to work on and with for both designers and actors.

    THE CURSE OF DYSFUNCTION is a treat for fans of horror theatre. Behind the everpresent threat of violence is a story about secrecy, infidelity, and familial obligation. The show is a rollercoaster of the surreal and the macabre, all stabilized by the very real love the family has for each other. The SFX will be an incredibly fun element to work on and with for both designers and actors.

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Jonah is the only character in the play that is specified as white. All other character’s ethnicity can vary, but only two characters within the production can be white. Only three characters in the cast may be white passing. Do not feel pressure for a character’s ethnicity to make sense from a familial perspective. This play does not exist in a world that is dictated by reality or the status quo. Explore this opportunity for diversity, challenge conventions, and be brave.
  • Levi
    Constantly putting his foot in his own mouth.
    Character Age
    Mid 20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Abel
    Veteran and a committed father.
    Character Age
    30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Jonah
    Recovering alcoholic and strong for his age.
    Character Age
    50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Minnie
    A fiery narcotic addict with great intellect.
    Character Age
    Mid 20's to Early 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    BIPOC
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • Harper
    Sheriff and longtime friend of Jonah.
    Character Age
    30's-40's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him
  • Kaylee
    Cast an adult who is passable as 14. (Ethnic Identity depends of casting of Minnie and Levi)
    Character Age
    14
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    BIPOC
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her