Overview

Synopsis

A widowed French artist emotionally scarred by WWII follows the epicenter of the art world from Paris to New York City, remarries, and brings over his seven-year old daughter. Foreseeing trouble, the ghost of his first wife comes along.

The Abstract Life chronicles a decade of repressed, if radical, social change through the life of one new immigrant whose love-hate relationship with his adopted country threatens to stymie his dreams and shows how Americans weather the bad times without losing faith in what America stands for.

Show Information

Book
Germaine Shames
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2015
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
New York City, 1950-1960
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Early Teen, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Serge Vautier

Lead

Male

Spoken

Jade Baron

Lead

Female

Spoken

Marguerite Vautier

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Ben Speed

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Clemence Vautier

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Baba Bella

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Celia

Supporting

Female

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