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Selecting and Performing a Monologue from Lyle Kessler’s Orphans

"Lyle Kessler’s 1983 play, Orphans, remains a cornerstone of contemporary American drama, frequently utilized by actors for auditions, scene study, and dramatic workshops. The play centers on the volatile relationship between two orphaned brothers, Treat and Phillip, and Harold, a mysterious middle-aged businessman they kidnap. Choosing a monologue from this script requires a deep understanding of the characters’ psychological fragility, the intense rhythmic demands of Kessler’s dialogue, and the shifting power dynamics that define each act. Understanding the Landscape of Orphans Orphans is a three-character play that relies on high-stakes emo..."

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