Free as a Bird, Light as a Bone running time ca. 90 minutes written for an physical theater ensemble of 8 – min. cast 2 women, 2 men (or 4 women)

Free as a Bird, Light as a Bone is a poetic work that incorporates found text from the true story of Horace Wells, who is often referred to as the inventor of modern anaesthesia. Believed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stephenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the 19C dentist Horace Wells was convicted of throwing acid at women in NYC in 1848, and took his own life while in prison. The play is a work of fiction – a memory play, seen through the eyes of Horace’s wife Elizabeth. The story begins with Horace’s awkward proposal of marriage. The couple struggle with their opposing, and variable natures. Throughout the ten years of their marriage, Elizabeth confides in her friend and aunt Mary, an artist; and – perhaps unwittingly – conspires with Horace’s business partner and nemesis William Morton.

The Writers’ Guild of Norway is not the agent of the authors in this database.

If you wish to have this text performed, make contact with the author or author's representative.

You have to log in to download this manuscript.