Script File

Orbicularis Iris

Iris, a young woman of undetermined age, can’t seem to wake up. She tries and tries to open her eyes as she lies in a bathtub in her family’s house. She imagines all kinds of things in her childlike mind, as it is right now. It’s always her birthday and her Mother Dad, Unborn Brother and a Border (spelled that way on purpose) along with a Parakeet all join in the bizarre fun. In reality, Iris is in a coma and interacts with everyone as they each reveal their own relationship with Iris and each other. Mom is haunted by her own mother and is not over losing her son, represented by a potato taped to her stomach. Unborn Son is able to communicate with Iris but longs for a relationship with his father. The Border becomes a facilitator for Iris and the rest of the family. All the while the Parakeet is falling in love…with Iris. The family finally comes to terms with Iris’ condition and are able to let go, leaving Iris alone and not able to move on.

  • Suzan Averitt
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Stage Play
  • Number of Pages:
    55
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Writer Biography - Suzan Averitt

Suzan Averitt was one of eight Los Angeles artists chosen for use of an NEA Grant for her theatrical interpretation of religious street literature. She is a member of Directors Lab West. Directing highlights include her stage adaptations for legendary Los Angeles landmark Al’s Bar and Rbitrary, a mash-up of dance/text monologues and dialogues performed in reverse round. She also originated Acting For Animation, which she taught in all the major LA animation studios. Acting accomplishments include solo shows at HFF and EdgeFest, and appearances in film, TV and LA theatre. She was featured in dance ensembles in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Favorite roles include portraying a battling chicken encased in an acrylic Jell-o-filled cage and museum video installations by Paul McCarthy and Mike Kelley, including most recently appearing opposite actor James Franco. She was managing editor and art director of satirical site Celebrity Porn Names. She wrote and directed Blurred Lines Dolphin Style, a parody music video and created (during Covid lockdown) her award-winning mobile phone-filmed 5 Impressions of Marilyn Monroe in the Bathroom. She is co-author of a TV pilot (co-written with strangevista partner Jeff Peters), Monkey InthE Middle, and has several other scripts in the festival circuit. Writing instructors include: Jean-Claude van Itallie, Chris Wells, Aretha Sills and Jeffrey Sweet. Theatrical training includes extensive study at Strasbergs-LA, Spolin Improv and Suzuki-Viewpoints, as well as dreamwork based on Sandra Seacat’s explorations.

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Writer Statement

This play should run around an hour-twenty with the video, movement and song. Don't be deceived by the page count.
I started writing Orbicularis Iris when I was a young adult, and it was probably the first writing I ever shared. I even performed it a couple of times. It was an awful play, more of a ranting monologue, and it's doubtful the play as it stands now could be easily recognized in those misery-filled early words. The piece developed through writer and performer Chris Well's workshops (recommend!). It soon became an ensemble piece and I was able to finish it recently, once I realized it did not have to be a two-act play. Because I am accustomed to putting on my own shows, it was impossible for me not to include heavy stage direction, For me, props, movement, lighting and sound (and more) have equal hierarchy in regard to telling the story. I wrote Orbicularis Iris clearly enough so it could be handed off to a theatre group, yet particular enough so it would be a completed work on my own terms. And it should be noted, the music is a capella, and except for Parakeet's ballad, transitional. Orbicularis Iris his is NOT a musical.