Two Cats Explain the Monstrous Moth Group

by Ian Thal

Inspired by a television commercial, two cats attempt to explain the monster group and supersymmetry to their incredulous human. The human, however, may be more attuned to the finer points of psychology than the cats suspect. When a wayward bat flies through the window, scampering and compulsive grooming ensue.

Inspired by a television commercial, two cats attempt to explain the monster group and supersymmetry to their incredulous human. The human, however, may be more attuned to the finer points of psychology than the cats suspect. When a wayward bat flies through the window, scampering and compulsive grooming ensue.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Two Cats Explain the Monstrous Moth Group

Recommended by

  • Sarah Siegel: Two Cats Explain the Monstrous Moth Group by Ian Thal
    “

    I appreciated a window into the mind of a human genius -- genius because the human was wise enough to pay attention to brilliant cats, including one, who was (spoiler alert) determined to transform the other into the reformed Eliza Doolittle of cats. Weird and charming!

    I appreciated a window into the mind of a human genius -- genius because the human was wise enough to pay attention to brilliant cats, including one, who was (spoiler alert) determined to transform the other into the reformed Eliza Doolittle of cats. Weird and charming!

    ”
  • James Perry: Two Cats Explain the Monstrous Moth Group by Ian Thal
    “

    In this play, Ian Thal blends whimsical absurdity with existential musings, presenting a philosophical exploration from the perspective of two cats and their human. The cats, Omi and Parvati, are richly developed characters whose contrasting personalities drive the play’s action and humor. This piece is sure to resonate with both casual theatergoers and those who seek intellectual engagement.

    In this play, Ian Thal blends whimsical absurdity with existential musings, presenting a philosophical exploration from the perspective of two cats and their human. The cats, Omi and Parvati, are richly developed characters whose contrasting personalities drive the play’s action and humor. This piece is sure to resonate with both casual theatergoers and those who seek intellectual engagement.

    ”
  • Arianna Rose: Two Cats Explain the Monstrous Moth Group by Ian Thal
    “

    You had me at "Two Cats"! A hysterical play that is so visceral - I could see it staged as I was reading it. The humor and theatricality are off the charts. I particularly loved the differences between Parvati and Omi. Playwright Ian Thal has crafted a play that will delight and keep you thinking long after the last meow.

    You had me at "Two Cats"! A hysterical play that is so visceral - I could see it staged as I was reading it. The humor and theatricality are off the charts. I particularly loved the differences between Parvati and Omi. Playwright Ian Thal has crafted a play that will delight and keep you thinking long after the last meow.

    ”
View all 25 recommendations

Character Information

The cats may be portrayed with either puppetry or by human actors in cat costumes.

The bat may be portrayed in many ways: A human in a bat costume, a lighting effect, a puppet, or even a toy bat on a stick or a string –– if the toy is on a stick or string, for instance, it can be operated by any of the performers already on the stage.

The television may be portrayed as an actual television, or a puppet theater, inside a box, or even an inanimate prop, and some sound design.
  • Human
    A human owner (or caretaker) for two cats. The human's gender, race, and ethnicity is of little interest to the cats.
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Television
    A television on which two cats and their human watch commercials and science-fiction dramas. May be doubled with performer playing the bat.
  • Bat
    A bat, more specifically, a small nocturnal mammal capable of flight of the order Chiroptera. Gender and species unimportant. May be portrayed with a puppet or by a human in a costume. May be doubled by actor portraying the television.
    Any
  • Parvati
    A younger cat with no sense of dignity, female, spayed. Either a calico or a tortoiseshell. May be portrayed with a puppet or by a human in a costume.
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Omi
    A dignified adult cat, female, spayed. May be portrayed with a puppet or by a human in a costume.
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Tiger's Heart Players, 2024

Production History

  • Workshop, Panglossian Productions, 2020
  • Professional, The Changing Scene Theatre Northwest, 2014