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The Black Eyes

Bev Clark

Genre: Drama

Cast size: 18

Duration: 30 mins approx

Bev Clark | Drama | Young Cast | One Act | 10m, 7f, 1m/f

Short synopsis

A short one-act play for young people, based upon a popular myth that originated in the USA. It explores elements of horror, physical theatre and stylized ensemble work to create a chilling atmosphere of suspense: offering a director infinite possibilities in performance. This play won Best One Act Play for Young People in 2015 and was a winner in the youth section at the central region of the All England Theatre Festival, 2016. It has been performed in England and Ireland where it is on the Youth Theatre of Ireland’s play-share reading list.

America – 1990s. Four witnesses give their accounts of a phenomenon they have encountered: creatures, which they believed to be innocent children but these children are different for they have no eyes – only black holes.

Were they Aliens? Zombies? Ghosts or something else? All they learn is they must not let them in. From the man in his car at the gas station to the housewife alone in her kitchen, these are terrifying accounts.  TV and radio debates discuss how the stories are spreading across the USA fuelled by the internet.  An urban myth is growing momentum across the world – but what is the truth?

Stories of a young baby sitter frozen to death by fear. A young shop girl, accosted by the “children” as she was closing up, is found dead the next morning. An old janitor is lured into a lift only to disappear. A young Deacon, trying to help what he thinks are homeless kids in need of shelter, is told chilling stories by the Priest, who believes they are messengers of the Devil himself.

Still, no one really knows.

Marty Leeman is a lonely child; his family too busy to take notice. Marty believes he has made new friends but the Black Eyes, winning his trust, are invited in and Marty is gone forever. Are the Black Eyes really here to steal your soul? Well, whatever you do – Don’t Let Them In!!!

An ensemble piece, offering physical theatre techniques, movement and dramatic effects.

10m, 7f, 1m/f Large Cast

  • Witness
  • Witness
  • Witness
  • Witness
  • Black-Eyed Kid
  • Black-Eyed Kid
  • Black-Eyed Kid  
  • Laurie
  • Mrs Waverley
  • Charlie
  • Jackie
  • Harry
  • Sammy
  • Priest
  • Deacon
  • Mother
  • Father
  • Alice
  • Marty

An Ensemble, and other narrators and storytellers

Free

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The Black Eyes

Free
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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.

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