Out of the Wings

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Un lugar estratégico (2003), Gracia Morales Ortiz

Scene

This is a one-act play. It begins in the autumn and moves back in time to a past moment set during winter. Later in the play the action moves forward to a possible future, set in springtime. The end of the play is set in winter, although it is unclear when in time this winter exists.

Staging

The action is set on an old bridge. At the start of the play, this bridge runs horizontally from left to right. When the man and woman put on military uniforms, the bridge turns 90 degrees, so that it is now at right angles to the stage. The bridge later turns another 90 degrees so that it once again runs horizontally across the stage. When the characters become the young boy and girl, the bridge moves 90 degrees again to stand at right angles to the stage. At the end of the play, the bridge returns to the position it was in at the start.

The man and woman change outfits throughout the play. They firstly change into military uniform and carry rifles and knifes, sometimes dropping to the ground to shelter from aerial bombardment. Later, the man and woman dress in white and appear much younger. In the end, the characters are soldiers once again. This time, they blow up the bridge which is heard collapsing.

The vagabond pushes a trolley filled with mismatching boots. She carries a fishing rod which she uses to fish boots out of the river. Every time the vagabond appears she sings the traditional children’s song A pasar la barca.

Cast number
Minimum Maximum
1 male 1 male
2 females 2 females
3 (total) 3 (total)
Characters
  • WOMAN / FEMALE SOLDIER / GIRL
  • MAN / MALE SOLDIER / BOY
  • FEMALE VAGABOND

Entry written by Gwynneth Dowling. Last updated on 30 November 2011.

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