Dark Water

by David Stallings

The swampland of Louisiana is hit with the most massive oil spill known to history. Barnacle, an old sea turtle, fights against man’s destruction, nature’s wrath, and her enemies of the wild to save her children trapped in the spill. Poetry, allegory, and movement create a world of magical realism as the animals of Louisiana face the ultimate threat to their lives.

The swampland of Louisiana is hit with the most massive oil spill known to history. Barnacle, an old sea turtle, fights against man’s destruction, nature’s wrath, and her enemies of the wild to save her children trapped in the spill. Poetry, allegory, and movement create a world of magical realism as the animals of Louisiana face the ultimate threat to their lives.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Dark Water

Character Information

The cast list is set for the minimum with 10 actors. (5) are primary characters who should not double. The (5) "track" roles may be broken up for a larger cast if desired.
  • Weed
    Barnacle's son, filled with anger, played by a young man
    Character Age
    Teens - Early 20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male / Male Identifying (he/him)
  • Daedalus
    An excitable dolphin who takes himself (themself) very seriously.
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender
  • Foam
    An enslaved orphaned Deep Sea Turtle, hopeful yet sharp.
    Character Age
    Teens - Early 20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Track 1: Pregnant Fish, Tears, Others
    Able to be weak/vulnerable and ferocious depending on the role.
    Character Age
    20's - 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Track 2: Sheepshead / Clam / Others
    A darker character with charisma yet no true morals.
    Character Age
    50's - 60's - 70's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Track 3: Elder Fish / Blue Heron / Others
    A dogmatic leader filled with narcissism.
    Character Age
    40's - 50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Track 4: Rebellious Fish / Charmer / Pad
    Has the ability to turn on a slick charm. Ability to sing and dance a plus.
    Character Age
    20's - 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male / Male Identifying (he/him)
  • Track 5: Blue / Sea Urchin / Lily
    Ethereal presence with the ability to move well.
    Character Age
    20's - 30's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Barnacle
    A Deep Sea Turtle, a mother
    Character Age
    40's - 50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
  • Gullet
    An enormous seagull, a calculated killer
    Character Age
    40's - 50's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization MTWorks, NYC, Year 2013

Production History

  • Type University, Organization St. Lawrence University , Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization MTWorks, NYC, Year 2014

Awards

  • Outstanding Original Full Length Script
    Innovative Theatre Awards
    Winner
    2014