The Eighth Circle by Bridgette Dutta Portman

Winner, Red Bull Theater's Short New Play Contest, 2016.

[10-minute] A corrupt politician and his wife find themselves in the eighth circle of Dante's Inferno. Can they swindle their way out?
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The Eighth Circle

Recommended by

  • Robyn Ginsburg Braverman:
    9 Sep. 2021
    “ Immensely satisfying read and a worthwhile ten minutes. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    26 Jul. 2020
    “ The politicians are sent to Dante's Inferno and it's fantastic! A perfect political short! ”

Character Information

  • Ron
    50s-60s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A recently-deceased politician. Greedy, unethical and manipulative.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Barbara
    50s/60s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    His wife. A poet who missed her calling.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Calcabrina
    Any,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A demon. Has a poetic flair.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Red Bull Theater
    ,
    2016