Tip the Scale

by persephone Van Ort

An artist takes the mayor of a large city hostage. Their goal? Become friends to enact sweeping political change. But you know those artists: sometimes, they can be a little idealistic. And you know those politicians: they don't really think about their impact. Hey, what's with that mannequin in the corner?

An artist takes the mayor of a large city hostage. Their goal? Become friends to enact sweeping political change. But you know those artists: sometimes, they can be a little idealistic. And you know those politicians: they don't really think about their impact. Hey, what's with that mannequin in the corner?

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Tip the Scale

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  • Katherine Gwynn: Tip the Scale by persephone Van Ort
    “

    a play that stands as an endurance demand for your attention and your empathy and your discomfort and your joy and your fear all at once. at many points I could not imagine how this play could be done, which is thrilling, because it means that it needs community and collective, not singular, imagination.

    a play that stands as an endurance demand for your attention and your empathy and your discomfort and your joy and your fear all at once. at many points I could not imagine how this play could be done, which is thrilling, because it means that it needs community and collective, not singular, imagination.

    ”

Character Information

Pronouns and race markers indicate suggested casting, but they are not prescriptive. Characters are collaborations between me, the director, and the performers; every arrangement of identity will create a new political dynamic and it would probably be good to think hard about that AFTER the actors have been selected. What history and hegemony are you presenting and elaborating upon?

I think it bears saying that you should try to cast majority Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, and cast minority white folks.

  • Lou
    A character in a play.
  • THE GAP
    A gap.
  • CASS
    Trying really hard. Neurotic. Sweet. Arrogant. Younger. Based less loosely on a certain artist.
    Younger
    Trans,
    gender non-conforming
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
  • MAY
    Taking an enforced break from work. Charming. Careful. Arrogant. Based very loosely on a certain mayor.
    Older
    Cisgender Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Male
  • HOUSE MUSICIAN
    A local artist who makes music for this show. They probably play guitar and sing, but they can do whatever it takes. Should be personalized.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
  • THE NEVERMAN
    Beyond redemption depending on where you stand
    White
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jonah
    A character in a play.