The Ills We Do by Bridgette Dutta Portman

[10-minute] Emma worries that her sister Mona may be in an abusive relationship. Mona insists that everything is fine. As Emma struggles to convince Mona to leave her husband, it becomes apparent that Mona isn't the only one in denial. A short contemporary adaptation of Act 4, Scene 3 of Othello.
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The Ills We Do

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    26 Jul. 2020
    “ A fantastic modern day adaption of Othello that gives so much insight into the play. Also an incredibly important statement against domestic violence. Well done. ”
  • Mike Solomonson:
    13 Feb. 2020
    “ This Othello-inspired, contemporary examination of the lingering psychic wounds of abuse is quite powerful. I was drawn into the relationship between the two sisters as they battle their past and the present, in an attempt to rescue each other from their poor relationship choices. Bridgette Portman effectively builds the tension in this 10-minute play to a heart-felt conclusion. ”

Character Information

  • Emma
    Late 20s/30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Works as a maid for a cleaning service in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Mona
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Emma’s younger sister, married to a successful businessman in New York.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Laughing Pig Theatre
    ,
    2018