The Oktavist

by Vince Gatton

[SHORT] In a small church in Imperial Russia, Father Kirill is approached by the scion of a prominent local family for a favor: the young man is convinced it's his divine calling to be an oktavist, one of the legendary ultra-deep-voiced singers in Russian liturgical music. That calling, and much else, will now be put to the test.

WINNER, The Gary Garrison Playwriting Award for 10-Minute Plays

[SHORT] In a small church in Imperial Russia, Father Kirill is approached by the scion of a prominent local family for a favor: the young man is convinced it's his divine calling to be an oktavist, one of the legendary ultra-deep-voiced singers in Russian liturgical music. That calling, and much else, will now be put to the test.

WINNER, The Gary Garrison Playwriting Award for 10-Minute Plays

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

The Oktavist

Recommended by

  • Dave Osmundsen: The Oktavist by Vince Gatton
    “

    It’s rare to read a 10-minute play as fully realized, specific in both setting and emotion, and as satisfying as THE OKTAVIST. Despite this play’s brevity, its content extends into the existential—what do we do with our greatest desires when our skills don’t match up? Is it better to be the source of talent, or the witness? How do we go on when we realize our shortcomings? Vince Gatton has also written two strong characters with a fully human dynamic. Stupendous work!

    It’s rare to read a 10-minute play as fully realized, specific in both setting and emotion, and as satisfying as THE OKTAVIST. Despite this play’s brevity, its content extends into the existential—what do we do with our greatest desires when our skills don’t match up? Is it better to be the source of talent, or the witness? How do we go on when we realize our shortcomings? Vince Gatton has also written two strong characters with a fully human dynamic. Stupendous work!

    ”
  • Cam Eickmeyer: The Oktavist by Vince Gatton
    “

    How did Gatton fit such complex and rich characters into so few words? I will study this play for a while to learn. As a reader/viewer your own brain becomes the stage for this story and we fill in all the spaces in dialogue to create an incredibly delicate yet powerful conversation. Such an accomplishment!

    How did Gatton fit such complex and rich characters into so few words? I will study this play for a while to learn. As a reader/viewer your own brain becomes the stage for this story and we fill in all the spaces in dialogue to create an incredibly delicate yet powerful conversation. Such an accomplishment!

    ”
  • Bailey Jordan Garcia: The Oktavist by Vince Gatton
    “

    "Sometimes…God gives you the desire, but the wrong equipment." Gorgeous. Sad. Beautiful. Gatton gracefully brings us into this rich world with fully fleshed out characters that you instantly root for. A truly brilliant piece that I'd love to see staged.

    "Sometimes…God gives you the desire, but the wrong equipment." Gorgeous. Sad. Beautiful. Gatton gracefully brings us into this rich world with fully fleshed out characters that you instantly root for. A truly brilliant piece that I'd love to see staged.

    ”
View all 34 recommendations

Character Information

Father Kirill, 40s-50s, Russian, priest and choirmaster
Dimitri Semyonovich Balakin, 20s, Russian, son of a prominent local family
  • Father Kirill
    Local priest and choirmaster of St. Sophia's church near St. Petersburg, Father Kirill is handy, diplomatic, insightful, warm, and, when he has to be, firm. He knows things.
    40s - 50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Dimitri
    The well-dressed young scion of a prominent local family, Dimitri is eager, energetic, awkward, funny, clueless, and entirely sincere. The last great lovable dork in Imperial Russia.
    20s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • University, Theater-at-Tusculum, Tusculum University, 2023

Awards

  • Gary Garrison Playwriting Award for Ten Minute Plays
    The Tusculum Review
    Winner
    2023