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Overview

Synopsis

The play is an allegorical farce, in which Lady Philosophy is on trial for corrupting the minds of young people and wasting their time. The entire play, in two acts, takes place in the “Court of Public Opinion” and just outside. A series of witnesses (Descartes, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, Jefferson, Einstein, and Socrates) provide a variety of perspectives on philosophy and the history of ideas. Much of the testimony provided by the witnesses is based on historical fact, including direct quotes from some of their writings. In this sense, the concept is patterned somewhat after Steve Allen's "Meeting of Minds".

Show Information

Book
Jeff Fraser
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2014
Genres
Drama, Farce, Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
A courtroom, Time unspecified
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Lady Philosophy

Supporting

Female

Silent

Counselors for the Prosecution

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

Counselors for the Defense

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

Rene Descartes

Supporting

Male

Spoken

William Shakespeare

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Friedrich Nietzsche

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Thomas Jefferson

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Albert Einstein

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Socrates

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Spoken

Songs

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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

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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

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Videos

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Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher