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.

[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: The Ills We Do by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    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.

    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: The Ills We Do by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    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.

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

Production History

  • Professional, Laughing Pig Theatre, 2018