A play by Angela Gant
Social Darwinism is an absurdist socio-political comedy that follows a familial group: an Alpha Male, Alpha Female, Second Banana, Subordinate Female, Adolescent Male, Adolescent Female, Outside Male, and Outside Female as they move through several different social classes. The plays looks at racism, male homosexuality, and feminist ideals. Additionally, Social Darwinism shows the subjugation of women, which changes as the play evolves.
The first act begins with our group in their chimpanzee form. They then move into a redneck social structure, followed by a more socially complex (and creepy 1950’s style) middle class. In act two the characters transcend to an upper class environment, though there are times throughout the play when the characters fall back on a different class. The play ends with the characters degenerating to their more primitive form.
As the play begins the actors are in their underwear, and as they advance they add more and more costume layers. This piece is truly a challenging ensemble piece for any actor or director, for most of the characters are onstage throughout the play, and the actors are required to play many social environments as well as working on the physicality of their roles.
Read sample 1 of Social Darwinism
Read sample 2 of Social Darwinism
Awards:
- Paula Vogel Award Kennedy Center ACTF 2006
- National Student Playwriting Award Kennedy Center ACTF 2006
- Horn Professors Graduate Achievement Award (Texas Tech) 2006
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