Luther L Liggett

Iysobel Luther L Liggett

PRODUCTION FORMAT Politics today and throughout history requires a triumvirate of Money, Power, and Popularity, just as fueled the success of Julius Caesar in ancient Rome. When the ruler dies, how do his three sons, representing one of each need, build consensus to go forward and rule the country? Iysobel is written in the tradition of a Shakespearean tragedy: in iambic pentameter, with prose and poetry, story twists, witticisms and double meanings throughout, but in readable, modern English. Unique to the stage is a sword fight that physically demonstrates the meter of the spoken word, matching the pace by thrust and parry. The main character as regent moderates the dialogue as the three sons broker for power. The eldest, a rich Merchant, married an ambitious wife, with whom they had the title child, Iysobel. The second son is the Military commander, used to solving problems directly. The youngest is a Priest, with strong views on the citizenry. Each character in turn reveals ambition while recognizing their own weakness. Few stage plays of the genre feature such a strong personality as in the female role of Coreleay. The players touch on Love, War, Gold, Religion; even Math and Astrophysics! The dialogue specifically is written with ample cues and breaks for the young actor, with fast pace and emotion throughout to the end to keep the viewers' attention. While readable and easy to understand the action, the audience will be left to ponder the intricate web of human relationships which control politics even today. Costumes and four Scene stage sets are simple, basic for inexpensive production and room for creativity.