Plays for Five People: 5 Actors or Actresses

The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl (2 Acts)

Matilde, a Brazilian woman, is hired to clean the house of Lane, a doctor in her 50s who’s married to Charles, also a doctor. Matilde has stopped doing her job and has been medicated. She wants to be funny like her parents were. Virginia, Lane’s sister, loves cleaning and comes to an arrangement with Matilde. They suspect Charles is seeing another woman.

The beginning of this play can be read in the preview of The Clean House and Other Plays.

Trifles by Susan Glaspell (1 Act)

A small group has gathered at the Wright farm. John Wright was found murdered in his bed. The county attorney, Henderson, has been called to investigate and get the story. Also present is Henry Peters, the sheriff and Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale. The neighbor who found the body, Lewis Hale, explains what happened. The men take the lead in the investigation. The women look over the kitchen and gather a few things to take to Mrs. Wright, who’s being held on suspicion of the murder.

This play can be read in the preview of Plays by Susan Glaspell. (Go into “Paperback” preview first, then select “Kindle”, 5% in)

Crumbs from the Table of Joy by Lynn Nottage

Godfrey Crumps’s wife has died. He was helped over his grief by a blessing through the mail from Father Divine. Wanting to be near Father Divine’s Peace Mission, Godfrey moved to Brooklyn along with his daughters, Ernestine and Ermina, seventeen and fifteen, respectively. Soon, the family is joined by their aunt Lily, who has a strong sense of individuality. After a while, Godfrey remarries.

The first few scenes of this play can be read in the preview of Crumbs from the Table of Joy and Other Plays. 

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (2 Acts)

Estragon and his friend, Vladimir, meet on a country road and make conversation while waiting for Mr. Godot. They are soon joined by Pozzo, a domineering man, and Lucky, the victim of Pozzo’s whims. Mr. Godot has still not arrived.

The Advertisement by Natalia Ginzburg (3 Acts)

Teresa, who is separated from her husband, rents out a spare room to Elena, a college student. Teresa tells Elena her story, focusing on her childhood and tumultuous relationship with her husband, Lorenzo, including the incident that finally ended things.