When 18-year-old Luke discovers the diary of his recently-deceased brother Marius, he and his single mother are forced to relive painful memories of Marius’s illness and avoidable death. In discovering hidden truths revealed about Marius, Luke must come to terms with truths of his own.
When 18-year-old Luke discovers the diary of his recently-deceased brother Marius, he and his single mother are forced to relive painful memories of Marius’s illness and avoidable death. In discovering hidden truths revealed about Marius, Luke must come to terms with truths of his own.
BROTHERS
Music, Lyrics, & Books by Arnoud Breitbarth
Based on the Novel Gebr by Ted van Lieshout
LUKE (lead) – tenor, playing age: 18. Luke is an introvert who’s struggling with his coming out. He is terrified to reveal his big secret, fearing the reaction of his surroundings. Luke has a difficult relationship with his mother. He used to be close to his deceased younger brother Marius, but as they grew older, Luke’s secretiveness caused them to grow apart. Luke hasn’t processed his brother’s death and feels guilty for surviving his younger brother.
MARIUS (co-lead) – tenor, playing age: 14-16. Marius starts out as a sporty, healthy kid, upbeat and confident by nature. He takes life and its challenges at face value. He happens to fall in love with a boy and isn’t bothered about that. He falls ill and dies of a mysterious illness. When he deteriorates heavily throughout the play, he tries to fruitlessly reconnect with his older brother Luke. Note: Marius’ shaking hand is not his writing hand.
MOTHER (co-lead) – mezzo-soprano, playing age: mid 40s. Mother is worn, flamboyant and sometimes seeks solace in alcohol. Her sons misunderstand her. She raised them alone, which was a hard task in the seventies. Mentally exhausted after losing Marius, she is struggling to connect with Luke.
NOTE: The following six roles may be played by six actors or, with doubling, as few as two actors.
ALEX – tenor, playing age: 17. Confident, handsome, playful, boyfriend of Marius.
TIBOR – baritone, playing age: mid teens. Gypsy look, dark eyes, has a special friendship with the young Luke. Speaks only Romanian.
DOCTOR 1 – high baritone. Slightly arrogant, doesn’t take Mother and the complaints of Marius seriously.
DOCTOR 2 – high baritone. Empathic but stubborn, doesn’t know what to do.
DOCTOR 3 – high baritone. Trying to find a solution, impatient, doesn’t like to be questioned.
DOCTOR 4 – non-singing role. Understanding, kind and caring when explaining the medical situation to Luke.
2 Musicians:
Piano-Conductor
Guitar