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Overview

Synopsis

Cloud 9 is a satirical commentary of the British Empire and its rigid perspectives on gender roles and sexuality. The first act follows Clive, a colonial administrator, and his family as they try to contain the British colonies in Africa during the Victorian era. The second act follows the surviving characters in London, 1980. Between the acts, the characters have only aged 25 years and have been freed from their sexual repression, as well as from the Empire. In Cloud 9, adults play children; men and women play opposite genders; and a white man plays a black man. With its inventive casting and Churchill’s biting analysis of social structures, Cloud 9 is an intelligent and comedic show that will challenge audiences and actors alike.

Show Information

Book
Caryl Churchill
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1979
Genres
Dark Comedy, Satire
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
1880s africa and 1979 london
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Clive/Cathy

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Betty/Edward

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Edward/Betty

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Maud/Victoria

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Joshua/Gerry

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Harry Bagley/Martin

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mrs. Saunders/Ellen/Lin

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

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

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Emma Houlahan

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.