La Fée Verte

by Bridgette Dutta Portman

Finalist, Prize for Women Playwrights, Kentucky Women Writers, 2019
First Prize, Ohio State Newark New Play Contest, Ohio State Newark, 2013

[Full-length] When France bans absinthe in 1914, struggling poet Marmion fears he will lose his only source of inspiration. He authors a petition against the ban, aided by Denis, a depressed bartender who drinks absinthe in order to hallucinate his deceased fiancée. But Marmion’s brother, a parish priest with his own secret absinthe addiction, is dead- set against the petition and determined to stop them. As the three men’s agendas clash, each must learn the source of his own dependence on “La Fée Verte."

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La Fée Verte

Recommended by

Cheryl Bear: La Fée Verte by Bridgette Dutta Portman

“

A fascinating and revealing dynamic comes into play as a ban against absinthe drives these characters toward their goal and they must learn things about themselves and their dependence. Well done.

A fascinating and revealing dynamic comes into play as a ban against absinthe drives these characters toward their goal and they must learn things about themselves and their dependence. Well done.

”
Acadiana Repertory Theatre: La Fée Verte by Bridgette Dutta Portman

“

We had the pleasure of producing La Fee Verte in a developmental production in February of 2016. Audiences loved this show from the first scene. It is a smart, tightly woven, face paced, yet at times poignant meditation on addiction and the things we cling to. Don't hesitate to pick this wonderful piece up. Bridgette is a joy to work with. We look forward to more work from her in the future.

We had the pleasure of producing La Fee Verte in a developmental production in February of 2016. Audiences loved this show from the first scene. It is a smart, tightly woven, face paced, yet at times poignant meditation on addiction and the things we cling to. Don't hesitate to pick this wonderful piece up. Bridgette is a joy to work with. We look forward to more work from her in the future.

”

Character Information

Marmion

A struggling poet and bohemian. Ambitious, passionate, and hopelessly addicted to absinthe.

Character Age

20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male,
  
  Non-binary
Denis

A bartender. Depressed over his lost love. Also hopelessly addicted to absinthe.

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male,
  
  Non-binary
Pere Mallory

Marmion's older brother, a parish priest. Also hopelessly addicted to absinthe.

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male,
  
  Non-binary
Fee

An entrancing woman in a green gown. Personification of absinthe. Assumes a different identity depending upon the drinker.

Character Age

20s-40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female,
  
  Non-binary

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Pear Avenue Theatre, Year 2015
Type Reading, Organization Paper Wing Theatre, Year 2015
Type Reading, Organization Playwrights' Center of San Francisco, Year 2013
Type Reading, Organization Playwrights' Center of San Francisco, Year 2010

Production History

Type Workshop, Organization Acadiana Repertory Theatre, Year 2016
Type Professional, Organization NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, Year 2022

Awards

Prize for Women Playwrights

Kentucky Women Writers

Finalist

2019
First Prize, Ohio State Newark New Play Contest

Ohio State Newark

2013