The Sacred Act of Devouring

by Samantha Oty

Full-Length - 90min

*Previously titled 'Let's Hope You Feel Better'

**Finalist, 2019 Pharmacy Theatre Play Contest

“We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.” ― André Berthiaume

Therese Blanc has worked her entire life to achieve the image of perfection. Now with a beautiful Boston apartment, her trust fund, and a new engagement to a handsome...

Full-Length - 90min

*Previously titled 'Let's Hope You Feel Better'

**Finalist, 2019 Pharmacy Theatre Play Contest

“We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.” ― André Berthiaume

Therese Blanc has worked her entire life to achieve the image of perfection. Now with a beautiful Boston apartment, her trust fund, and a new engagement to a handsome young surgeon, it seems like all the pieces are coming together. All that remains is finding the perfect gown and completing her graduate thesis on “The Psychology of the Modern Cannibal.” However, there’s something dark lurking underneath the surface, and she has one sinister fantasy to satisfy before walking down the aisle.

That’s where Isaac Abrams comes in the man who openly accepts her for who she really is, warts and all. As their online relationship intensifies, they agree to finally meet in person. But when curiosity kills the cat, Therese struggles to hide the cracks in her facade.

TRIGGER WARNING: This play includes discussions of cannibalism, suicide, infidelity, and the eroticification of death. There are also scenes of gore.

This play is published by Ghost Light Publications. For licensing inquiries and performance rights, please contact [email protected] or visit the official licensing page at https://ghostlightpubs.com/products/the-sacred-act-of-devouring-by-sama…

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The Sacred Act of Devouring

Recommended by

David Hilder: The Sacred Act of Devouring by Samantha Oty

“

A combination of the quotidian and the truly dark, The Sacred Act of Devouring explores exactly how far people will go to feel wholly themselves ... and how much their significant others will consider to be merely the price of admission to the relationship. In a great way, this play is deeply odd -- its various parts Frankenstein together to create a beautiful, unnerving creature.

A combination of the quotidian and the truly dark, The Sacred Act of Devouring explores exactly how far people will go to feel wholly themselves ... and how much their significant others will consider to be merely the price of admission to the relationship. In a great way, this play is deeply odd -- its various parts Frankenstein together to create a beautiful, unnerving creature.

”
Eric Mansfield: The Sacred Act of Devouring by Samantha Oty

“

Plays about brides getting cold feet are a good foundation for many rom-coms, but when a bride has cold feet because she has a dark, DARK fetish to fulfill -- that's entirely different. Samantha Oty has crafted a journey through one woman's morality quest before saying 'I Do' in a way only the stage can do justice. I love when audiences think they know where a play is going, only to do a 180 with "I didn't see THAT coming." Read this one and just let your mind wander. You'll be glad you did.

Plays about brides getting cold feet are a good foundation for many rom-coms, but when a bride has cold feet because she has a dark, DARK fetish to fulfill -- that's entirely different. Samantha Oty has crafted a journey through one woman's morality quest before saying 'I Do' in a way only the stage can do justice. I love when audiences think they know where a play is going, only to do a 180 with "I didn't see THAT coming." Read this one and just let your mind wander. You'll be glad you did.

”
Daniel Prillaman: The Sacred Act of Devouring by Samantha Oty

“

When you love someone, you accept them as they are. Right? All of them. Their faults. Their fantasies. Their obsessions. No. Matter. What.

When you realize where Oty’s expertly paced play is taking you? Hot goddamn. This is a delicious dive into murky waters, and the ethical dilemmas and questions raised by Therese’s innocent inquires are a perfect meal for actors and designers willing to bite. A fantastic show for any company looking to add some classy, modern horror to their line-up.

When you love someone, you accept them as they are. Right? All of them. Their faults. Their fantasies. Their obsessions. No. Matter. What.

When you realize where Oty’s expertly paced play is taking you? Hot goddamn. This is a delicious dive into murky waters, and the ethical dilemmas and questions raised by Therese’s innocent inquires are a perfect meal for actors and designers willing to bite. A fantastic show for any company looking to add some classy, modern horror to their line-up.

”

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Therese Blanc

The last person in the room to laugh at jokes.

Character Age

mid-20s

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Toby Miller

The handsome, boy-next-door

Character Age

mid-to-late 20s

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Isaac Abrams

Stuck in time

Character Age

40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Marie Blanc

Therese's mother, clinging to her last fragments of youth. She had her daughter young.

Character Age

Late 40s

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  40s,
  
  50s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Wren

The quirky best friend, would probably be played by Judy Greer in a movie.

Character Age

mid-20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Woman
Archie

He's a ginger and should be cast as such since it is directly mentioned in dialogue.

Character Age

mid-20s

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
Detective Bass

Can be played by male or female.

Character Age

Late 30s

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Post-Industrial Productions, Year 2023
Type Workshop, Organization The Pharmacy Theatre, Year 2020
Type Reading, Organization 5th Wall Productions, Year 2016

Production History

Type Community Theater, Organization Madlab, Year 2021

Genre

dark comedy,

drama,

horror,

mystery/thriller

Subject Matter Keywords

mother daughter relationship,

dramady

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://ghostlightpubs.com/products/the-sacred-act-of-devouring-by-samantha-oty

Reviews

Columbus Dispatch

“
This play can lead to bigger conversations about mental health, why we do what we do and how you never know what someone may be struggling with.
”
Columbus Underground

“
Let’s Hope You Feel Better shines when it balances take-no-prisoners satire with the human consequences of playing with someone’s mind – the terrible danger of giving someone a reason to live.
”