1994: STEALING THE SCREAM (10-minute play)

by J.S. Puller

In 1994, soccer player Pål Enger stole The Scream by Edvard Munch. But why? Perhaps it had something to do with the mysterious Carmen.

In 1994, soccer player Pål Enger stole The Scream by Edvard Munch. But why? Perhaps it had something to do with the mysterious Carmen.

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1994: STEALING THE SCREAM (10-minute play)

Recommended by

  • Courtenay Schembri Gray: 1994: STEALING THE SCREAM (10-minute play) by J.S. Puller
    “

    As someone who loves Edvard Munch, this short play sheds a new darkness on existentialism. It’s quite like Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ in a way!

    As someone who loves Edvard Munch, this short play sheds a new darkness on existentialism. It’s quite like Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ in a way!

    ”
  • Paul Donnelly: 1994: STEALING THE SCREAM (10-minute play) by J.S. Puller
    “

    The act of stealing The Scream is its own existential cry of despair in this fascinating exploration of a possible motive for the theft. Both characters are deftly drawn and the situation is both sad and absorbing.

    The act of stealing The Scream is its own existential cry of despair in this fascinating exploration of a possible motive for the theft. Both characters are deftly drawn and the situation is both sad and absorbing.

    ”
  • Christopher Soucy: 1994: STEALING THE SCREAM (10-minute play) by J.S. Puller
    “

    A truly astounding moment in art history of the last 30 years. J.S. Puller has given us a brilliant sneak peak into the mechanisms of a crime. Funny, sad, and relatable throughout, this short play is a gem.

    A truly astounding moment in art history of the last 30 years. J.S. Puller has given us a brilliant sneak peak into the mechanisms of a crime. Funny, sad, and relatable throughout, this short play is a gem.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Pål Enger
    A Norwegian soccer/football player; late 20s
    20s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Carmen
    An American art thief, possibly a figment of Pål's imagination
    Any Age
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

Production History

  • Community Theater, Artful Codgers, 2025
  • University, Illinois Wesleyan University, 2025

Awards

  • Best of PlayGround 2024 - Chicago
    PlayGround
    Selection
    2024