Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents

by David Guaspari

On Walpurgisnacht, Mortimer Todd makes a theatrical appearance at the home of Sigmund Freud, claiming to be Death itself. Freud begins to psychoanalyze his visitor, a proceeding complicated by the entrance of his sister-in-law Minna to announce that her goldfish Cleopatra has committed suicide. When Minna takes a shine to Todd, he allows her to choose who will be that night’s victim. Will Minna, fed up with...

On Walpurgisnacht, Mortimer Todd makes a theatrical appearance at the home of Sigmund Freud, claiming to be Death itself. Freud begins to psychoanalyze his visitor, a proceeding complicated by the entrance of his sister-in-law Minna to announce that her goldfish Cleopatra has committed suicide. When Minna takes a shine to Todd, he allows her to choose who will be that night’s victim. Will Minna, fed up with relentless therapy, choose Freud? An impulsive act keeps her from changing the course of history.

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Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents

Recommended by

  • Hannah Lee DeFrates: Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents by David Guaspari
    “

    An interesting play that explores what would happen if Death met Freud, "Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents" by David Guaspari is an intellectually funny one act.

    An interesting play that explores what would happen if Death met Freud, "Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents" by David Guaspari is an intellectually funny one act.

    ”
  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents by David Guaspari
    “

    David Guaspari’s “Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents” packs plenty of laugh-out-loud moments into fifteen minutes. Set in Vienna on Walpurgisnacht, a shady character, Mortimer Todd, visits the home of Sigmund Freud and upends the household. Dead goldfish, loaded guns, and charades ensue, fodder for Freud’s impromptu analysis of his guest and his ongoing treatment of Minna, his sister-in-law. Guaspari’s brilliant word play and deep dive into psychoanalytic theory is Stoppard-like: erudite and completely entertaining. Best, audiences need no knowledge of Freud’s theories to enjoy the romp. And...

    David Guaspari’s “Psychoanalysis and Its Discontents” packs plenty of laugh-out-loud moments into fifteen minutes. Set in Vienna on Walpurgisnacht, a shady character, Mortimer Todd, visits the home of Sigmund Freud and upends the household. Dead goldfish, loaded guns, and charades ensue, fodder for Freud’s impromptu analysis of his guest and his ongoing treatment of Minna, his sister-in-law. Guaspari’s brilliant word play and deep dive into psychoanalytic theory is Stoppard-like: erudite and completely entertaining. Best, audiences need no knowledge of Freud’s theories to enjoy the romp. And how does it all end? With a cigar of course.

    read more
    ”

Character Information

Sigmund Freud, 50s (could be older)
Minna Bernays, Freud’s sister-in-law, younger
Mortimer Todd, claims to be Death (could be Frank Langella, could be Wallace Shawn)
  • Sigmund Freud
    50s (could be older)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Minna Bernays (Freud's sister-in-law)
    Somewhat younger than Freud
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Mortimer Todd (claims to be Death)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Proud Haddock, 2021
  • Reading, Playwrights' Roundtable, 2020

Production History

  • University, University of North Alabama one-act play festival, 2021