Dead People

by Bridgette Dutta Portman

[Full-length] Gale Boatswain, a forensic pathologist at a hospital morgue, just wants to be left alone with his grim work and his obsessive-compulsive rituals. When a young woman named Poppy sneaks into the morgue, it throws Boatswain’s carefully-ordered life into disarray and forces both of them to disclose their secrets, face their own vulnerabilities, and confront the ghosts of their pasts. (This play is a...

[Full-length] Gale Boatswain, a forensic pathologist at a hospital morgue, just wants to be left alone with his grim work and his obsessive-compulsive rituals. When a young woman named Poppy sneaks into the morgue, it throws Boatswain’s carefully-ordered life into disarray and forces both of them to disclose their secrets, face their own vulnerabilities, and confront the ghosts of their pasts. (This play is a revised and expanded version of my one-act, Delusion.)

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Dead People

Recommended by

  • Rebecca Kane: Dead People by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    Besides being a thoroughly interesting concept and a devastatingly well-executed comedic drama, I'm impressed with the respect and depth Portman showed for her characters' struggles. I've suffered from similar mental health issues as Boatswain and it means a lot to me to have him representing OCD and intrusive thoughts on stage properly. Thank you for the work you put in, Bridgette -- it pays off amazingly in this touching, layered play.

    Besides being a thoroughly interesting concept and a devastatingly well-executed comedic drama, I'm impressed with the respect and depth Portman showed for her characters' struggles. I've suffered from similar mental health issues as Boatswain and it means a lot to me to have him representing OCD and intrusive thoughts on stage properly. Thank you for the work you put in, Bridgette -- it pays off amazingly in this touching, layered play.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Dead People by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    A powerful look into mental health and mortality as we work through life on earth and the memories of the ones we've lost. Well done.

    A powerful look into mental health and mortality as we work through life on earth and the memories of the ones we've lost. Well done.

    ”
  • Robyn Ginsburg Braverman: Dead People by Bridgette Dutta Portman
    “

    An exquisite two-hander. Both roles are strong and purposeful, and the path to resolution is filled with wonder.

    An exquisite two-hander. Both roles are strong and purposeful, and the path to resolution is filled with wonder.

    ”

Character Information

Please cast this play in a way that reflects the diversity of our world, with regard to race/ethnicity, gender identity, body type, and/or disability status.
  • Boatswain
    Gruff, worn, haggard. A forensic pathologist at a hospital morgue. He has worked there long enough to be inured to death. Suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly an irrational fear of causing harm to others.
    50-ish
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Poppy
    Believes she is dead. Tough, determined, resourceful—but lost.
    18
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, The Pear Theatre, 2020