Viva la Diva
Author
Chris Ballance
Chris Ballance has had sixteen plays produced - a mixture of plays for children, devised pieces, adaptations and work for a general audience. His play Water of Life won an Edinburgh Festival Fringe First, and Viva la Diva was runner-up in the South London Playwriting Competition as well as being shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award. Four of his plays have received second productions.
Synopsis
Live adventurously, and live your dreams. A celebration of Florence Foster Jenkins - the notorious worst singer of all time - the famous New York society lady who wanted so much to be an opera diva - regardless of her total lack of talent - that she booked the Carnegie Hall and filled it. Her fans flocked to laugh at her, but she died happy; "They may say I can't sing, but no-one can say I didn't sing."
The play is a duel between her and her pianist - Cosme McMoon, a dour, timorous Scot, forced to play for her because of his need for money, who hates every minute of it and only wants to persuade her to be more restrained. Cosme also plays the part of his own girlfriend, and of Florence's lover St Clair.
The play is a comedy about two sad, vulnerable, characters searching for meaning. It looks at faith - the inspiring faith which can move mountains, despite being totally misplaced. View extract.
Cast
1 male (age 30), 1 female (age 70)
Duration
100 mins
Contact
24 South Main Street
Wigtown
DG8 9EH
UK