Cease to Exist

by William Cameron

Patricia Krenwinkel, convicted for her role in the 1969 Tate and LaBianca murders, has now served 38 years of a life sentence and is up for parole. As she attempts to convince the parole board of her suitability for release, Krenwinkel is inevitably drawn back into the events of her troubled past—her childhood, her first meeting with Charles Manson, her life with the 'Family'" and, ultimately, her participation...

Patricia Krenwinkel, convicted for her role in the 1969 Tate and LaBianca murders, has now served 38 years of a life sentence and is up for parole. As she attempts to convince the parole board of her suitability for release, Krenwinkel is inevitably drawn back into the events of her troubled past—her childhood, her first meeting with Charles Manson, her life with the 'Family'" and, ultimately, her participation in the infamous murders.

"Cease to Exist" takes us inside the tormented mind of Patricia Krenwinkel as she recounts her crimes and, ultimately, comes face to face with the sister of her most famous victim.

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Cease to Exist

Recommended by

  • Vince Melocchi: Cease to Exist by William Cameron
    “

    A really fascinating piece of theatre. Well-drawn characters, a gripping story and excellent dialogue made this a delightful read.

    A really fascinating piece of theatre. Well-drawn characters, a gripping story and excellent dialogue made this a delightful read.

    ”

Character Information

Flexible, with a minimum of 3 men and 4 women
  • Patricia Krenwinkel
    A prisoner at the California Institution for Women in Corona, California
    62
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Charles Manson
    The infamous cult leader
    30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Katie
    Patricia's younger self
    early 20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Steven Hernandez
    Presiding commissioner of the parole board
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Debra Tate
    Sister to Sharon Tate, Tate family spokesman at the parole hearing
    50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Tex Watson
    Manson Family Member
    20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Various others — 'Family' members, parole board members, murder victims

Production History

  • University, Washington & Jefferson College, 2014