The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter

by Damon DiMarco

1680 AD. A young and devout, but untested Franciscan monk begins a new assignment at a monastery in the Bavarian Alps. After meeting the beautiful daughter of the local Hangman, his whole world comes into question: What is evil? What is God? What does God want from us? How can we serve God best? Adapted from the novella by Ambrose Bierce.

* The play is written with an intermission.
Productions may omit this if...

1680 AD. A young and devout, but untested Franciscan monk begins a new assignment at a monastery in the Bavarian Alps. After meeting the beautiful daughter of the local Hangman, his whole world comes into question: What is evil? What is God? What does God want from us? How can we serve God best? Adapted from the novella by Ambrose Bierce.

* The play is written with an intermission.
Productions may omit this if they so choose.

** The play employs period music, some instrumental, some of which may be sung.
These needs can be met with recordings or, preferably, with live musicians and singers, either within the ensemble or separate.

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The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter

Minimum: 5M, 2W. Recommended (with ensemble): 7M, 5W.

The seven key roles are listed here. One of the key roles doubles as noted. The rest can take roles in the ensemble, per the script.

Ambrosius. Male, early 20s. A member of the Order of Franciscan monks.

Father Romanus. Male, early 40s to 50s. DOUBLES as the Hangman.

Benedicta. Female. Early 20s. The Hangman's Daughter.

Father Andreas. Male, 60s - 70s. Superior of the monastery at Berchtesgarden.

Rochus. Male, early 20s. The Salt Master's Son. A wild, impetuous youth.

Amula. Female, early 20s. A girl from the village, in love with Rochus.

The Guide. Male, teens to early 20s. Though the text says the role is a boy, The Guide can be played by a young female actor who dresses and acts as a male.