Ondine's Curse

by Mora V. Harris

30 MINUTE PLAY: In this acerbic twist on Greek mythology and classic fairy tales, nymph Ondine falls in love with the mortal Mort. When Mort chooses his human girlfriend Bertha over her, Ondine lays a powerful curse on him: If he falls asleep he dies. Bertha races against time to save Mort, while Ondine faces the repercussions of her vengeful act in this distinctly non-Disney romance.

30 MINUTE PLAY: In this acerbic twist on Greek mythology and classic fairy tales, nymph Ondine falls in love with the mortal Mort. When Mort chooses his human girlfriend Bertha over her, Ondine lays a powerful curse on him: If he falls asleep he dies. Bertha races against time to save Mort, while Ondine faces the repercussions of her vengeful act in this distinctly non-Disney romance.

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Ondine's Curse

Recommended by

  • Karina Cochran: Ondine's Curse by Mora V. Harris
    “

    What strikes me about this piece are the beautiful monologues, which are a gift to any actor. A very engaging short play that will leave your audience feeling both melancholy and jovial at the same time.

    What strikes me about this piece are the beautiful monologues, which are a gift to any actor. A very engaging short play that will leave your audience feeling both melancholy and jovial at the same time.

    ”
  • Alexander Hehr: Ondine's Curse by Mora V. Harris
    “

    This is a fantastic modern myth that does justice to the origins and modernizes it for modern issues and themes. Mora's writing is realistic and heartwarming in the same stroke.

    This is a fantastic modern myth that does justice to the origins and modernizes it for modern issues and themes. Mora's writing is realistic and heartwarming in the same stroke.

    ”
  • Lainie Vansant: Ondine's Curse by Mora V. Harris
    “

    Such a great story, I wish there was more! These characters have deep needs and wants, and the story itself is a great dialogue with the ideas that Disney tells us when we're young. There are some great monologues in here as well!

    Such a great story, I wish there was more! These characters have deep needs and wants, and the story itself is a great dialogue with the ideas that Disney tells us when we're young. There are some great monologues in here as well!

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

Bertha: 20, she/her/hers
Mort: 20, he/him/his
Ondine: Looks 20, she/her/hers
  • Mort
    20
    Flexible
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Bertha
    20
    Any
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ondine
    Looks 20
    Any
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, KCACTF Region 2, 2016
  • Reading, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Washington DC, 2016

Production History

  • University, State Fair Community College, 2018

Awards

  • The John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play
    Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
    Finalist
    2016