Overview

Synopsis

History and morality collide in Neil LaBute’s The Mercy Seat. Set in New York City the day after the September 11 attacks, the two-character play finds couple Ben and Abby suddenly caught at a moral crossroads. Ben, who is married and has children, has been having an affair with Abby, his boss. With their office housed at the World Trade Center, Ben seizes on the September 11 attack as an opportunity to disappear with Abby and start a new life together, leaving everyone to assume that he was killed in the attack. What follows is a psychological crucible in which morality and human foibles are confronted with brutal honesty.

Show Information

Book
Neil LaBute
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2002
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
An apartment in New York City. 2001.
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
Broadway Play Publishing, Inc
Ideal For
College/University, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Context

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ben Harcourt

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Abby Prescott

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Songs

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Emasculated

    The loss of traditional masculinity, often a theme in plays exploring power, identity, and societal roles.

    Morality

    Ethical themes central to many plays, prompting characters and audiences to question right and wrong.

    Subordinate

    A character of lesser rank or status, used to highlight power dynamics and conflict in drama.

    Terrorism

    The use of violence for political aims, depicted in theatre to challenge or reveal ideologies and social unrest.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Quote Analysis

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright