Sense and Sensibility

An original play, based on the novel by Jane Austen. By Erin Woods.

7 women, 5 men

MARIANNE

I could not be happy with a man who wasn’t confident--whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own. He must enter into all my feelings; the same books, the same music, the same films--

ELINOR

We’re different. You want to date yourself.

MARIANNE

I want someone who shares my passions! Who isn’t boring and idle. — Don’t be offended--

ELINOR

Edward is reserved, but he understands things. He has imagination and a sense of humor, but he is shy and that keeps him silent. I have seen a great deal of him while you and Margaret have been with Mother. He loves books and art, and his taste is - more respectful than your passion for everything! And at first sight, he is certainly not striking; until he relaxes and lets you in - you don’t truly see him. Now, I know him so well, that I find him attractive.

MARIANNE

Then I will too. I will see no more imperfection in his face than I do in his heart.

ELINOR

Marianne, I won’t deny that I think well of him –but Mother’s hopes are too high. I like him. That’s it.

MARIANNE

‘Like him’! ‘Think well of him’! After all that--! Cold-hearted, Elinor-- Oh! worse than cold-hearted--!

ELINOR [laughing]

I didn’t mean to upset you.

MARIANNE

Use the word ‘like’ again and I’m leaving!

ELINOR

I don’t want to call it more than it is. He is far from being independent-

MARIANNE

He is independent -! 

ELINOR

His mother is apparently, worse than Fanny-

MARIANNE

Who cares-!

ELINOR

Marianne! We know better than anyone how tricky family situations can be. I am the last person Edward’s family would deem suitable. And like it or not, it’s a consideration--

MARIANNE

Ed told you this?

ELINOR

He didn’t have to-- my life is far from–it’s not yet settled. Nor is his.

MARIANNE

[calmly] I am convinced you’ll end up together. [matter-of-fact] And I hope it kills Fanny and her mother.