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Jesus, The Devil and a Kid Called Death

Another play arising out of the larger research project into early BBC history (see also research statement for 15 Ways to Leave Your Lover) and in particular the work of Hilda Matheson and Mabel Constanduros. Jesus, The Devil and a Kid Called Death is based on comedy writing techniques found in the work of Mabel Constanduros. Her emphasis on character in her work is in keeping with Galsworthy’s view that ‘a human being is the best plot there is’. My work and that of Constanduros share the currency of identity, which has its roots in early twentieth century theatre, particularly in the work of Pirandello. The characters in the play are always searching for who they really are and their constant search drives the plot, providing the means by which the story is conveyed in the play within the play and Daniel’s creation of an alter-ego in the form of his Death character. Both Chrissy and Nick take the roles of characters who they secretly wish they could be like, and in taking on these characteristics they become happier in allowing themselves to be who they really are. This piece also experiments with Matheson’s ideas on plays of discussion and offers a defense for community theatre and the redemptive power of drama.

Further information on this research can be found at:

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/english-drama/staff/ms-carolyn-scott-jeffs.html