Delusion by Bridgette Dutta Portman

[One-Act] A young woman who believes she is dead meets a morgue director with no patience for the living. As Poppy tries to force her way into Gale's carefully controlled life, the two of them must help each other confront the ghosts of their pasts.

(A full-length version of this play, titled Dead People, is also available)
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Delusion

Recommended by

  • Caitlin Strom-Martin:
    31 Jan. 2022
    “ I had the extreme pleasure of performing the role of Poppy at the RAW Festival at Ross Valley Players in 2019. I really enjoyed the play because it's got two distinctive characters that are great roles for actors, and the plot is very original and clever. I've never come across another play quite like this one, and I would absolutely relish another chance to do a full production of this work. It's enjoyable, thoughtful and engrossing all the way around. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    17 Mar. 2021
    “ A powerful look into mental health and mortality as we work through life on earth and the memories of the ones we've lost. Well done. ”

Character Information

  • Gale Boatswain
    50,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A forensic pathologist at a hospital morgue. Gruff, worn, and haggard. Has obsessive-compulsive disorder.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Poppy
    18,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Believes she is dead. Tough, determined, resourceful—but lost.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Ross Valley Players
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    San Francisco Olympians Festival
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Rochester's Black Sheep Theatre
    ,
    2018