Teaching a Dillo To Cross the Road by David Moberg

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Teaching A Dillo to Cross the Road Production Photo

Christmas Plays

Teaching A Dillo To Cross The Road- Award Winning Script

by David Moberg

2008 Finalist - Abingdon Theatre Playwrighting Award

The Story - 2 male/3 female

A harshly realistic and complex two act drama, "Dillo" probes the dynamics of a dysfunctional household. Eighty-nine year old Sam lives with his son, Will, and daughter-in-law, May. Mentally and physically incapacitated, Sam requires round the clock care of hired caretaker, Flo. Will's past affair with co-worker Hope and Sam's destructive effect on the grandchildren further disrupts Will and May's already fragile family.

The Armadillo metaphor concisely summarizes the plot and characters: Can anyone teach an armadillo (dillo) to cross the road? The thousands of bloody dillo carcasses that litter southern highways show us "no." Can the family ever move beyond the problems that trap them in their unhappy lives?

Strict unity of time and place tightly compress and drive the dramatic action; concise realistic dialogue/action and mild profanity define the complex psychological characters. "Dillo" presents a challenging but rewarding night in the theatre.

Use of mild profanity, sexual content (no nudity), and violence make this production inappropriate for young performers.

The single setting is the living room/kitchen of Will and May's modest home. Realistic properties and furniture are required. As demonstrated by the photo gallery, a non-illusionary set functions effectively. $75/$60

Serious Theatre: recommended for experienced performers only.

Not recommended for high school production.