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Ellida by Nora Louise Syran

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  • Glenn Alterman:
    1 Sep. 2022
    “ Ellida is a beautiful, dreamlike monologue by Nora Louise Syran, inspired by Henrik Ibsen's "The Lady From the Sea". A young woman is treading water at a sailing camp. She’s tired and wants to just give up. We get to experience her torturous inner battle as she desperately tries not to give up.
    . Beautifully written. Recommended! ”
  • John Mabey:
    25 Jul. 2022
    “ The imagery of water, rowboats, desire, and ambition all combine in ELLIDA, a powerful monologue from Nora Louise Syran. There's an romanticism throughout that compliments so well her drive to succeed in an unforgiving environment. A wonderful blend of active, forward-moving activity with emotional reflection on what sailing truly means in this moment. ”
  • Vivian Lermond:
    20 Nov. 2021
    “ What a perfect metaphor on life! We all have that one option to sink or swim, and Syran captures that premise beautifully in this lovely atmospheric monologue. A wonderful performance piece! ”
  • Ross Tedford Kendall:
    27 Oct. 2021
    “ A great little monologue that doesn't forget the setting. Every element informs the character's actions and words. Her determined attitude is inspiring and striking. A fun and fine little piece. ”
  • Alice Josephs:
    17 Oct. 2021
    “ American Ellida is determined never to give up in the midst of freezing conditions in - a Norwegian fjord! This charming monologue gets under the skin of a young woman who has undertaken a sailing course, partly to rival her sister. As an avid reader, an imagined world with herself as heroine collides with her crush on, and first sexual passion for, the Nordic course leader. A monologue full of girlhood angst, comedy and lyricism as Ellida seeks to stay afloat, both literally and for her self esteem, keeping her notions of romance alive. ”
  • Adam Richter:
    17 Oct. 2021
    “ It's remarkable what we do to push ourselves when we're seeking to prove our worth — whether to ourselves, our dumb sister with ALL THE TROPHIES or that snide-yet-cute sailing instructor. Ellida is an instantly recognizable young woman: Determined yet questioning why she's in a situation she considers dumb. This monologue is funny, vivid and full of dramatic tension. Not to mention the lighting and movement possibilities of staging a person treading water in a fjord. I would love to see this on stage. ”
  • Christopher Plumridge:
    17 Oct. 2021
    “ ELLIDA, a beautiful name in itself, treads water in this wonderfully descriptive, tense monologue by Syran. Her determination is admirable as well as it is foolish, I wanted desperately for her to succeed and of course to survive. Find out for yourself, this is an excellent read!! ”
  • Scott Sickles:
    16 Oct. 2021
    “ While I will never, unless forced by tragic circumstance, tread water in a fjord, I feel that part of Ellida exists within me. Oh, her umbrage! Oh, her DETERMINATION! To succeed against an expectation of failure. To at the very least not be the first to give up. To make my mark in the shadow of others’ accomplishments. Oh, I get it! Her voice rings in solidarity with mine. Her percussive bitching interwoven with effervescent romanticism, then catching herself in the act. The denial-laden crush on a figure of resentment. Syran has created an almost-everywoman and she is glorious! ”