Explore this Show

Overview

Synopsis

"Civil" is set in an unspecified future, where trials are held in a virtual environment, and can only be 40 minutes long. Five actors (2 men, 2 women, and one that can be played by either gender) play multiple roles, and the audience votes on the outcomes of both trials.

When the play begins, it is quickly explained that everything you are seeing is merely a virtual construct, and that the four characters you will see involved with the trial (only referred to by their color, Red, Green, Blue, and Orange) are artificially created--meaning, that they only represent the defendants in the trial, and that the physical details, voices, and even genders may be different. One other character, nicknamed "Cursor," will represent both lawyers as well as the judge. The trial is on a seven second delay, so when a statement is stricken from the record, you, the audience, may never hear it. The audience votes, the play ends, and everyone has to live with what they've done.

This show is meant to be performed with no set, no props, and minimal costumes. But productions are encouraged to go crazy with lights and sound.

Show Information

Book
Rob Matsushita
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2014
Genres
Drama, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
Settings
Simple/No Set
Time & Place
A computer simulation that happens to look like a black box theater, The unspecified future
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
College/University, Small Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Cursor

Lead

Either Gender

Spoken

Red

Lead

Male

Spoken

Blue

Lead

Male

Spoken

Green

Lead

Female

Spoken

Orange

Lead

Female

Spoken

Prerecorded Voice

Supporting

Either Gender

Spoken

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

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher