Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
A dark New England beach is the singular setting for Christopher Shinn’s language-driven one-act. Troubled lovers Ed and Dora find themselves trying to repair the shattered remnants of a relationship, and their own lives, until a sudden tragedy changes everything. Clocking in at just over half an hour, The Coming World is a short but high-octane journey with an underlying tension that never quite unwinds. It’s an ideal fit for theatres looking for a play suited for mature audiences that can be produced with minimal set and prop needs.
Show Information
- Book
- Christopher Shinn
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2001
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- A beach on the New England coast, summer 2001.
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
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 musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
A play with only one act. One-act plays may have several scenes and vary in length, from short single scenes to full-length scripts.
Videos
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