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.

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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.
  • Barnacle
    A Deep Sea Turtle, a mother
    40's - 50's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Gullet
    An enormous seagull, a calculated killer
    40's - 50's
    Any
    Any gender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
  • Weed
    Barnacle's son, filled with anger, played by a young man
    Teens - Early 20's
    Any
    Male / Male Identifying (he/him)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Daedalus
    An excitable dolphin who takes himself (themself) very seriously.
    Any Age
    Any
    Any gender
  • Foam
    An enslaved orphaned Deep Sea Turtle, hopeful yet sharp.
    Teens - Early 20's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Track 1: Pregnant Fish, Tears, Others
    Able to be weak/vulnerable and ferocious depending on the role.
    20's - 30's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Track 2: Sheepshead / Clam / Others
    A darker character with charisma yet no true morals.
    50's - 60's - 70's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Track 3: Elder Fish / Blue Heron / Others
    A dogmatic leader filled with narcissism.
    40's - 50's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Track 4: Rebellious Fish / Charmer / Pad
    Has the ability to turn on a slick charm. Ability to sing and dance a plus.
    20's - 30's
    Any
    Male / Male Identifying (he/him)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Track 5: Blue / Sea Urchin / Lily
    Ethereal presence with the ability to move well.
    20's - 30's
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying (she/her)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, MTWorks, NYC, 2013

Production History

  • University, St. Lawrence University , 2018
  • Workshop, MTWorks, NYC, 2014

Awards

  • Outstanding Original Full Length Script
    Innovative Theatre Awards
    Winner
    2014