Pale Erections: The Monuments Play

by Nathaniel Hardman

Inspired by the 2020 Militia Protests in Gettysburg, PA, Pale Erections: The Monuments Play centers on two militia soldiers defending a Confederate monument in an isolated corner of a Civil War battlefield. While standing guard, they meet a stranger who plummets them into a frenzied, patriotic nightmare. As passion twists into paranoia, all three discover their faith in the monument is not so sturdy.

Inspired by the 2020 Militia Protests in Gettysburg, PA, Pale Erections: The Monuments Play centers on two militia soldiers defending a Confederate monument in an isolated corner of a Civil War battlefield. While standing guard, they meet a stranger who plummets them into a frenzied, patriotic nightmare. As passion twists into paranoia, all three discover their faith in the monument is not so sturdy.

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Pale Erections: The Monuments Play

Recommended by

  • Tyler Joseph Rossi: Pale Erections: The Monuments Play by Nathaniel Hardman
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing PALE ERECTIONS at the 2024 Harrisburg Fringe Festival, and I must say its stuck with me ever since. Using Confederate militia protests, it stands as a dark comedy/satire of all the things (the people, especially) so many of us are fearful of right now. I should also say, for how blunt these characters are, Hardman handles the topic with deftness and care. It's well worth the read, well worth the laugh, and certainly well worth producing in times like these.

    I had the pleasure of seeing PALE ERECTIONS at the 2024 Harrisburg Fringe Festival, and I must say its stuck with me ever since. Using Confederate militia protests, it stands as a dark comedy/satire of all the things (the people, especially) so many of us are fearful of right now. I should also say, for how blunt these characters are, Hardman handles the topic with deftness and care. It's well worth the read, well worth the laugh, and certainly well worth producing in times like these.

    ”

Character Information

  • Orson
    An impulsive, new militia member. Wants to become a police officer.
    Late Teens / Early 20s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Heins
    An embittered former cop. Deeply proud of his family heritage.
    Mid 40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Quentin
    Fun-loving and slightly manic. He has a questionable background and a hidden agenda.
    Late 40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Virtual Live Reading and Talkback Session on YouTube, 2020

Production History

  • Fringe, Harrisburg Fringe Festival, 2024
  • Workshop, Polite Fictions Theatrical Productions, 2022