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...
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:
    5 Jul. 2021
    “ 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:
    29 Feb. 2016
    “ 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
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A struggling poet and bohemian. Ambitious, passionate, and hopelessly addicted to absinthe.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Pere Mallory
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Marmion's older brother, a parish priest. Also hopelessly addicted to absinthe.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Denis
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A bartender. Depressed over his lost love. Also hopelessly addicted to absinthe.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Fee
    20s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    An entrancing woman in a green gown. Personification of absinthe. Assumes a different identity depending upon the drinker.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

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

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    NOVA Center for the Performing Arts
    ,
    2022
  • Workshop
    ,
    Acadiana Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2016

Awards

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