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Overview

Synopsis

Frances Beale, a popular novelist, was the loving and dedicated wife of Martin. Unfortunately, Martin also was in a relationship with Madeleine Palmer, his mistress of 25 years.. After Martin ends his marriage with Frances to be with another younger woman in America, Frances decides it’s time to meet Madeleine face-to-face. In The Breath of Life, the two women analyze their relationships with Martin, a man that they refuse to be defined by. The Breath of Life is an electric play for two older female actors, as they celebrate and grieve their relationships and prepare for a new chapter in life.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
4
First Produced
2002
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Isle of Wight, England, Present Day
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
All-Female Cast, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Frances Beale

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Madeleine Palmer

Lead

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

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

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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.