Overview
Synopsis
Floyd Dell’s A Long Time Ago is a short tragic fantasy with a production history nearly as colorful as the play’s story itself. The director of the original production costumed the characters to look like figures in a card game and had the actors wear wooden clogs that made them about eight inches taller. The result was unintended laughter from the audience. Today, the play reads more like a melodramatic fable, but the themes that audiences would have gravitated towards in 1913 are still very much present. A Long Time Ago packs a lot into its ten minutes and offers interesting material for high school or college and university theatre courses and short play festivals alike.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
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
Scenes
Key Terms
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A moral tale with symbolic characters, used in theatre to deliver social commentary through simple storytelling.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release.
Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright