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Overview

Synopsis

In an unnamed Latin American country, surrounded by poverty and violence, Lieutenant Orlando resolves to rise in the military ranks by any means necessary. He feeds his violent impulses by torturing prisoners, and even kidnaps a homeless girl named Nena, locking her away and sexually abusing her whenever the mood strikes. Even as Orlando descends into the grim savagery of his desires, the women around him--his wife Leticia, servant Olimpia, and victim Nena--strive to maintain hope that the world can be better. As Nena tells Olimpia, “I want to conduct each day of my life in the best possible way.” Her optimism exemplifies the complex power structures of the play: between husband and wife, masters and servants, the rich and the poor. With touches of Epic Theatre and Absurdism, Maria Irene Fornés’ The Conduct of Life is a forceful examination of how hope struggles to survive during the brutality of war.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1985
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Latin American country, present day
Cast Size
small
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Early Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Orlando

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Leticia

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Olimpia

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Nena

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Alejo

Supporting

Male

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

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress