Duress: An Original Thriller

by Angela Sarabia

Anna, a mild-mannered accountant who has spent her entire life playing it safe, comes into the construction firm where she works on a Saturday and interrupts two brothers breaking in to steal cash from the safe. One of them is Derrick, a handsome, charismatic, hardened criminal who has recently convinced his awkward brother John to come along with him for the first time. As soon as Anna encounters the...

Anna, a mild-mannered accountant who has spent her entire life playing it safe, comes into the construction firm where she works on a Saturday and interrupts two brothers breaking in to steal cash from the safe. One of them is Derrick, a handsome, charismatic, hardened criminal who has recently convinced his awkward brother John to come along with him for the first time. As soon as Anna encounters the brothers, a desperate game of deception and manipulation begins. Anna’s very survival now depends on her taking incredible risks. She must draw on the difficult experiences of her past as well as her need to get home to loved ones who depend on her. Can she turn the brothers against each other before they crack the safe and no longer need her alive?
Click on the supporting links to see a action-packed cinematic trailer for the play as well as interviews with the author, and fight coordinator. There is also a link to watch the full production of the play by Stage West Playhouse in Spring Hill, FL. Learn more at https://duressplay.my.canva.site/

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Duress: An Original Thriller

Recommended by

  • Gretchen Suarez-Pena: Duress: An Original Thriller

    An intense look at manipulation and abuse in a high-stakes drama. Sarabia has crafted a harrowing tale that could happen to anyone. One of the six selections of the 2023 Voices of Women Theatre Festival. A thrilling and excellent dramatic piece for a small cast.

    An intense look at manipulation and abuse in a high-stakes drama. Sarabia has crafted a harrowing tale that could happen to anyone. One of the six selections of the 2023 Voices of Women Theatre Festival. A thrilling and excellent dramatic piece for a small cast.

Character Information

2 men aged 20-30
1 woman aged 40 and above
1 man aged 40 and above
  • Anna
    A shy and timid uptight accountant who discovers her true courage and strength through the course of the story.
    Character Age
    40s
  • Derrick
    A handsome, charismatic, hardened criminal who is used to being able to get what he wants from others.
    Character Age
    20s-30s
  • John
    Unsure of himself but an average guy who has had a tough upbringing.
    Character Age
    20s-30s
  • Roger
    A kind man in his 50s or 60s who is the building manager/maintenance supervisor for the construction firm where the main character works.
    Character Age
    50s-60s

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Stage West Playhouse , Year 2021

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Powerstories Theatre, Year 2023
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Stage West Playhouse Spring Hill FL, Year 2022

Awards