A group of middle class intellectuals accompanied by a mysterious
South American visitor have just ended an informal dinner
party and to pass the time start a session of Ouija. The
men present sabotage the attempt though one or two garbled
messages start coming through. Then everything starts to
go wrong : there is a power failure, the telephone is cut
off, the burglar alarm starts ringing, the police make an
appearance, Stella, the hostess, becomes hysterical …… When
finally a semblance of calm is restored those present find
themselves taken back in time to the tragic 17th century
revolt against the Spaniards led by the Indian Carmelite
nun, Juana Orèz, the ‘Chosen One’ of the
title.
“Taut
drama keeps audience spellbound” —Western
Gazette, 7/7/2001
This is a psychological thriller with many unexpected twists
and turns. But it is also a drama of ideas where the author
explores in depth the theme of the crisis of belief in
the (post)modern world, not just the loss of belief in
God, but also and above all in mankind. The final note
struck is, however, affirmative as the central character,
by her inner calm and integrity, commands respect from
everyone including her enemies…
The Chosen One takes place in real time and has no special
requirements in set and costumes. It offers two very big
roles for women who can be anything between 28 and 50. Though
it is written for the stage by an experienced actor (who
took part in the original production), it can also be read
as a book in its own right.
Characters
Ten in all which can be easily reduced to eight
by doubling up.
A group of middle class intellectuals accompanied by a mysterious
South American visitor have just ended an informal dinner
party and to pass the time start a session of Ouija. The
men present sabotage the attempt though one or two garbled
messages start coming through. Then everything starts to
go wrong : there is a power failure, the telephone is cut
off, the burglar alarm starts ringing, the police make an
appearance, Stella, the hostess, becomes hysterical …… When
finally a semblance of calm is restored those present find
themselves taken back in time to the tragic 17th century
revolt against the Spaniards led by the Indian Carmelite
nun, Juana Orèz, the ‘Chosen One’ of the
title.