Overview

Synopsis

One of Shepard’s most abstract plays finds four people stuck in an isolated cabin after a mysterious apocalyptic Christmas crisis. Facing limited resources and an uncertain future, they carry out rituals as mundane as hanging laundry and as absurd as acting like dancing bears. In a series of bizarre and seemingly disconnected moments, Shooter, Jeep, Liza, and Lupe face coming to terms with their new life or fighting against it. With its grim worldview and no discernable plot, this one-act has been compared to the absurdist plays of Samuel Beckett. It won a 1975 Obie Award for playwriting and is considered one of Shepard’s most important works.

Show Information

Book
Sam Shepard
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1975
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
An isolated cabin, Christmas
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
College/University, Ensemble Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Shooter

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Jeep

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Lupe

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Liza

Ensemble

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:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright