Opulence by Jarred Corona

Full length. When the Revolution strikes, what becomes of superheroes? After shielding supervillain Janie Myer, AKA The Geiger from the retribution of “justice,” the Hero is captured by revolutionaries. He must choose between joining the Revolution or a public execution for his most serious crime: Opulence.
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Opulence

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    25 Sep. 2023
    “ I have often said that one of the key elements of great theatre is a play that makes you questions and leads to discussion. That is what Jarred has presented to an audience here, a fascinatingly intriguing piece that offers quick fire dialogue that you can't not focus on. Its a piece that forces an audience to think and consider the characters before them, the decisions they make and what they are saying. Not only would it make a brilliant live performance but it would make a fabulous piece of study in one of many subjects! Theatrically fascinating! ”
  • Donald E. Baker:
    27 Jun. 2023
    “ Superhero tropes. Philosophy. Cameos by Kant (the philosopher and a security system), Czar Nicholas II, and Harry Truman. And so many questions on the widest possible range of topics, but, especially, what exactly is justice and who decides? All of it is presented in rapid-fire dialogue in the context of an interrogation room in the midst of revolution. There's danger--and humor--and head-spinning curves that'll leave an audience breathless. Jarred Corona's mind is a place of unique imagination, enviable erudition, and cultural connection, and it's beautifully displayed in this wonderful play. ”
  • Samantha Marchant:
    31 May. 2022
    “ “There’s nothing more American than being a superhero.” Corona digs deep into what it means to be an American, a hero, and true to yourself while looking at topics like revolution, philosophy and wealth. I loved the part that listed all the reasons for the name Brandon - especially the detail of deer piss in the car. ”
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Character Information

Several of the characters themselves play multiple roles within the show. Those characters are not mentioned in the casting breakdown, as the actors are still playing the singular root character. These characters-of-a-character include Anastasia Romanov, Maslow, Father Gregory Gapon, and Diotima amongst others.

  • Hero
    transmasculine
    A rich hero interrogated by leaders of the Revolution
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Orwell
    One of the leaders of the Revolution
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • The Inquisitor
    An interrogator and Hero of the Revolution
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Philosopher
    An actor who portrays, amongst others, the Hero himself
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • PeNG
    An actress who plays, amongst others, the supervillain Geiger
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary