Divine Books by Joe Swenson

(ONE ACT: 30-45 Minutes)

Updated to new version on 1/25/2024

Lawrence Stephens is eclectic and just slightly off kilter owner of Divine Books. A bookstore that was given to him nearly fifty years ago. Carrie Trodder is a teenager who is in the bookstore every day, It's a Blue Moon, Lawrence is wearing an oven mitt, has a pair of tongs, and is chanting something on the couch....
(ONE ACT: 30-45 Minutes)

Updated to new version on 1/25/2024

Lawrence Stephens is eclectic and just slightly off kilter owner of Divine Books. A bookstore that was given to him nearly fifty years ago. Carrie Trodder is a teenager who is in the bookstore every day, It's a Blue Moon, Lawrence is wearing an oven mitt, has a pair of tongs, and is chanting something on the couch. Carrie doesn't notice, but things are about to go from calm and pleasant to absolutely crazy in this unique story.
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Divine Books

Recommended by

  • Morey Norkin:
    1 Aug. 2022
    “ It is often said that our days are numbered. Would you like to know your number? This and other existential questions, plus a great storyline, humorous dialogue, and interesting characters all combine to make “Divine Books” an otherworldly delight. Joe Swenson puts his characters in the position of making a serious wager on a game controlled by a futuristic being. Ultimately, the play asks, what would you do in their situation? And isn’t that a sure sign of great theater? ”
  • Marcia Eppich-Harris:
    12 Jan. 2022
    “ I love the idea that years of life can be added and/or subtracted in a bookstore. Lawrence and Carrie are in the fight for their lives, and the reward is not only living, but possibly living longer. DOUG makes for an interesting, ambiguous character that makes you wonder if there's an ulterior motive in the divine. Carrie's sacrifice is sweet, but not saccharine. I like that there's a sort of tradition going on. This show would be great to see at a fringe festival and has lots of cool possibilities for actors. I quite enjoyed it! ”

Character Information

  • Lawrence Stephens
    Lawrence is 72 years and should be played by someone that is believable to be that age.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Carrie Trodder
    Carrie should be played by a young adult or an older teen. Can be gender neutral, though some of the pronouns will need to be adjusted.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • D.O.U.G.
    D.O.U.G.: Digitally Optimized Unique Gamifier, not robotic and gender neutral. The role is open to any interpretation.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Broken Arts Entertainment
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Broken Arts Entertainment
    ,
    2020