The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

by Paul Donnelly

Archie’s attendance at Margaret’s mother’s wake takes a surprising turn.

The Pity Mourner appears in The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2023, available from Smith and Kraus.

Archie’s attendance at Margaret’s mother’s wake takes a surprising turn.

The Pity Mourner appears in The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2023, available from Smith and Kraus.

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The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

Recommended by

  • Steven G. Martin: The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

    Paul Donnelly creates very specific characters and very sad given circumstances in "The Pity Mourner," which would make me cry. But when Donnelly introduces a bit of kindness, options blossom for the reserved and perhaps dour Margaret. It feels that she has made a life-altering decision in this short play. I'd love to read more of her and Archie's story.

    Paul Donnelly creates very specific characters and very sad given circumstances in "The Pity Mourner," which would make me cry. But when Donnelly introduces a bit of kindness, options blossom for the reserved and perhaps dour Margaret. It feels that she has made a life-altering decision in this short play. I'd love to read more of her and Archie's story.

  • Nathan Christopher: The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

    This quiet, gentle play is filled with so much emotional resonance -- grief, curiosity, humor, loneliness, resentment. Kudos to playwright Paul Donnelly for creating such well-drawn and interesting characters who are really affecting. That's not easy to do in a 10-minute play!

    This quiet, gentle play is filled with so much emotional resonance -- grief, curiosity, humor, loneliness, resentment. Kudos to playwright Paul Donnelly for creating such well-drawn and interesting characters who are really affecting. That's not easy to do in a 10-minute play!

  • Kim E. Ruyle: The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

    In the unlikeliest of places, Margaret and Archie, two middle-aged strangers make a connection. It’s a brief but endearing encounter that leaves us hopeful and wanting more. Well done.

    In the unlikeliest of places, Margaret and Archie, two middle-aged strangers make a connection. It’s a brief but endearing encounter that leaves us hopeful and wanting more. Well done.

View all 31 recommendations

Character Information

1F/1M Both Late Middle-Aged
  • Margaret Henslow
    Somewhat astringent.
    Character Age
    Late Middle-Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis female
  • Archie St.Clair
    A bit more gregarious.
    Character Age
    Late Middle-Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis male

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Theatre Odyssey, Year 2023
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Seaside Players, Year 2022
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Year 2022