This is an early piece of writing and strikingly different in style to my current output. It may be of interest to students or anyone looking for a historical monologue and is available as a free download from lulu. If you use it please let me know.

Based on the account of Socrates trial by Plato this play celebrates the wit which Socrates employed during his final public appearance. Rather than offer a defence he chose instead to try to prove that the charges against him were ridiculous. A tactic which very nearly worked but eventually led to his execution.
The nature of the play means that it works equally with the cast played by women or as a piece of youth theatre. Many of Socrates passages may also be used as standalone monologues. There is no set required and the play works very well in the round.

Socrates - Male. Philosopher. 70s
Melitus - Male. Accuser. Age immaterial
Plato - Male. Student 30s
Makis - Male. Neighbour. Age immaterial
Anytus - Male. Accuser. Age immaterial

Synopsis of scenes

Scene 1 – Socrates makes his defence
Scene 2 – Socrates makes a plea to his sentence and is condemned to death.

Time: 5th Century BC
Setting: An amphitheatre in Athens. Ideal to be played in the round but whatever the facilities the audience are addressed as though they are the jurors.