The Bloodless Jungle by Peter Lawson Jones

State Senator Ethan St. John is a rising star in the political world who is being courted by the President and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to challenge a long-term incumbent for a critical seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ethan agrees to undertake the run but must vest control of the campaign in the hands of H. Henderson Hill, a nationally renowned “win-at-any-cost” political...
State Senator Ethan St. John is a rising star in the political world who is being courted by the President and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to challenge a long-term incumbent for a critical seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ethan agrees to undertake the run but must vest control of the campaign in the hands of H. Henderson Hill, a nationally renowned “win-at-any-cost” political consultant. Ethan is ahead in the polls when, J.J. Stiles, his best friend from high school, who had previously served time for sexual assault, is arrested upon suspicion of having committed another rape. Ethan soon faces mounting pressure from both the media and Hill, with whom Ethan continually engages in philosophical battles about campaign strategy, to distance himself from J.J., but Ethan is convinced that his friend is innocent. Complicating matters is a long-held secret that Sydney, Ethan’s wife, reveals to him. He is faced with a daunting choice: does he abandon J.J. and focus on winning the election, or does he jeopardize the campaign by supporting his friend. The play ultimately centers around the decision Ethan makes and its consequences.

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The Bloodless Jungle

Recommended by

  • Siobhan Bott:
    26 Nov. 2020
    “ In this high stake drama, the audience is swept into the world of Ethan St. John; the charismatic State senator who wants to help his community more than chase power in politics. However, given the opportunity to reach the top of his game in Washington D.C., he must make a difficult choice that will determine the trajectory of his career. With fully fleshed-out characters and excellent writing I so enjoyed reading this. I hope I get to see this in person one day. ”
  • David Hansen:
    16 Apr. 2019
    “ With this political drama, Jones presents a slate of characters with varying agendas, from the unpaid volunteers to the highly paid operatives, each with distinct, vivid personalities, surrounding that rare politician who will not compromise his ideals in order to win an election. The playwright doesn't traffic in types, providing each sympathetic arguments. It's hard to take sides, even in today's political climate. It's taut, compelling, quite relevant and highly recommended. ”

Character Information

  • Ethan St. John
    Thirties,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    Ethan is an extremely bright and articulate lawyer and politician. He was a college football player and is still physically fit.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Sydney St. John
    Thirties,
    African-American
    ,
    Female
    Ethan's wife, Sydney is an attractive and very bright public school principal.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Cyrus Templeton, III
    Thirties ,
    European-American
    ,
    Male
    Ethan's best friend, college roommate and football teammate. Cyrus, too, is still physically fit. He is a successful attorney at a respected law firm.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Laura Larkin
    Late twenties/early thirties,
    European-American
    ,
    Female
    A dogged newspaper reporter with aspirations.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • H. Henderson Hill
    50 - 70,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    A highly successful and high-priced political consultant.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jeremiah Jefferson Styles aka J.J.
    Thirties,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    Ethan's classmate, teammate and best friend in high school. He is an ex-offender and recovering addict.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Tio Villaneuva
    Early twenties,
    Latinx
    ,
    Male
    Puerto Rican. Dedicated campaign worker.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Malik Washington
    Early twenties,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    Campaign worker. Cynical about the political process.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Black Academy of Arts & Letters Playwright's Spotlight Series, Dallas, Texas
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center 15th Annual Page to Stage New Play Festival, Washington, D.C.
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Shades of Truth Theatre and Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group, New York City, New York
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Karamu House, Cleveland, Ohio
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Ensemble Theatre, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Ensemble Theatre, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Ensemble Theatre, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
    ,
    2016

Awards

Named one of the year's best productions in Northeast Ohio
,
Land of Cleve (arts and cultural blog)
,
2017