Cajun Poker

Full-Lengths

By: James Brady
Cast: 3 M, 1 F
Performance Time: Approximately 90 minutes, 85 pgs.

DRAMA. Set in New Orleans, the land of voodoo queens and slot machines, this unique American tragedy tells the story of Rufus Theriot, a lonely landlord who has dedicated his life to caring for his only daughter after his wife’s unexpected death. When Rufus’ pregnant daughter, Camille, and her unemployed husband, Cody, move in with Rufus, an all-out battle ensues. Rufus and Cody begin to compete for Camille’s love and attention, and Rufus finds it impossible to relinquish control over Camille. Soon the battle between Cody and Rufus escalates into a game of Cajun Poker, where they try to bluff, manipulate, and control each other. Rufus says, “Ya gotta think quick so ya opponent can’t figure out what ya got…and at the same time, ya gotta know what they got.” And it’s this desire to win at any cost that leads to the discovery of Rufus’ secret―one that he has been hiding for more than 20 years, and one that threatens to destroy him.

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James Brady’s plays have been produced off Broadway and around the country. He is a past recipient of the State of Florida playwriting fellowship (1999-2000) and was a finalist for the 2002 Heideman Award. Mr. Brady earned his MFA in playwriting from Rutgers University. He teaches at the Community College of Vermont, located in Bennington, VT. Originally from Mississippi, Mr. Brady now lives in upstate New York.