Monster, The

One-Acts 45

By: Arthur Reel
Cast: 8 M, 5 F, extras
Performance Time: Approximately 40 minutes, 39 pgs.

DRAMA. After courageously saving a white boy from a fire, a horribly burned African-American man, Henry Johnson, is forced to wear a hood to hide his face from his fellow townspeople, who view him as a monster. Instead of being heralded for his bravery, Henry finds himself the target of violence as the town’s collective fear turns to hysteria. Only the town’s doctor stands firm against a mob that seeks to confront that which they fear most—the monster within. Adapted from the short story by Stephen Crane.

Freeviews: To read play excerpts click here.

Arthur Reel founded the Drama Repertory Theatre in 1973 and has co-produced more than 200 shows, many of which he directed. Mr. Reel has adapted for the stage many prose classics, including Voltaire’s Candide and works by Gogol, Gorky, and Chekhov. He currently resides in New York City, where he teaches acting, voice, and communications.