A Frank Exchange
Nicholas Marsh
Genre: Drama
Cast size: 6
Duration: 45 mins approx
Nicholas Marsh | Drama | One Act | 4m, 2f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
- Awards
As a Dutch police administrator absorbed into the Nazi organisation, Helena Claassen finds her work contrary to her every belief and purpose. Yet she is obliged to continue with the status quo, both for her own security and that of her child. To make matters worse, she has been involved with hiding a Jewish family and is under increasing pressure to pass information to her Dutch compatriots, one of whom has developed a romantic interest.
Although she has perfected the art of inscrutability, Helena’s talents have unfortunately been noticed by Inspector Dettmann; a well-educated and cultured man of SS lieutenant rank. He has removed her from the main office and is keen to elevate her duties. This entails working more closely with Nazi policies and those who fall foul of them. Combining a heady mix of charm and cruelty, Dettmann cuts an undeniably attractive figure and Helena is well aware that his disarming nature poses a greater threat than the coarse thuggery of her previous colleagues.
Stressed and overburdened, Helena falls for a trap set by Dettmann and a collaborator, and quickly finds herself in the dreaded interview chair. Dettmann then presents her with an impossible choice. Distraught, she does the only thing she can do, certain that she too is doomed. Instead she is offered an open door. But now she must carry the most dreadful burden of them all.
Applying for and paying royalties
To apply for royalties, please complete the form on our apply for royalties page.
To pay for fixed fee royalties having received your Quotation from us, please go to this payment form.
More information
If you require any additional information regarding this script, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Frequently asked questions
Can we try before we buy?
Of course! All our plays and pantomimes have a free Preview Script available for download as an A4 pdf file that contains 60-75% of the full script. If you like what you read then you can buy an inexpensive e-script of the entire play (typically less than half the cost of a traditional printed script) which is licensed to you for your personal use. Purchasing a script copying licence allows you to make just enough copies to support rehearsals and performances.
All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Through this, representatives of producing organisations can request a USB Stick of perusal material which comprise the script/libretto and piano/vocal score as PDF files; a Cast (or Studio) Recording as MP3 files and (where available) an MP4 file video of either the premiere production or of a subsequent production.
Some titles have the facility to read the entire script online on our website.
Do we need a Licence To Perform?
The simple answer is, yes.
Under the international laws of copyright, you must be in possession of a valid, unexpired licence before performing any piece of theatre unless the owner or managers of the copyright has waived their rights.
Why do you insist on providing a formal royalties quotation?
When you request a quotation, it is logged in our system, it forms part of an orderly queue and protects your place in that queue should multiple licensing requests occur for the same show.
Need help?
Contact us
If you need help with our scripts, please contact our customer service team, we would be more than happy to help.
Established for over 25 years
Unearthing future talent
Stagescripts is a trusted licensing company run by theatre professionals with decades of experience on and off stage. Our curated catalogue includes over 1,000 carefully selected plays, musicals, and pantomimes — from fresh, undiscovered writing to well-loved classics.
We’re passionate about helping theatre-makers at every level discover scripts that inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences. Whether you're staging a village hall production or leading a professional company, our team offers expert advice, flexible support, and a responsive, personal service to help your next performance shine.
