Synopsis

The Dancers
by
Bob Chubon

     Rory Dauphin and Castile Brianca were high school lovers whose relationship was ended by parents after she became pregnant on graduation night.  Both attempted to move on with their lives, only to be unsuccessful in marriage, and haunted by memories of what might have been.  Finally, when they are in their 50s, the tide seems to have turned when they reunite.  Rory, guilt-ridden from having had to place his wife in a nursing care facility, and Castile, caring for her cancer-stricken mother, seemed to be rejuvenated by their renewed relationship.  Tragically, however, the disproval of the reunion by Rory's children and the unremitting hatred of Castile's father toward Rory become overwhelming obstacles to the fruition of the rekindled romance.  They enjoy one last dance during the course of their suicide.  As Rory lamented, "Too bad there's not a place in this world for a love like ours."

     Although the overriding theme is that of the quest for true love, there are a number of sub-themes involving contemporary relationship issues experienced by dual career couples and singled parents entering their senior years.  In general, the play reflects the way people are driven to "dancing around relationships."

     The tenor of the play is enhanced with brief allegorical dances summarizing the status of Rory and Castile's relationship at critical life junctures.  In addition to a  male and female dancer, who are young adult aged, the other characters include Rory's wife, Denise, and their two grown children, Jimmy and Colleen. 

     Staging requirements are minimal.  Critical components include a raised dance platform, a basic bedroom setup, and  two table settings, one typical of those found in delis and one indicative of an upscale restaurant,

     The reading time for the full length, two-act play is approximately one hour and fifty minutes. 

Copyright © 2002
Robert A. Chubon
6419 Macon Road
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 776-0784