Arcana

Six short plays and two monologues explore a variety of themes and genres, inspired by the Major Arcana figures in the Tarot. Byzantium: A woman trying speed dating is frustrated by the fact that most men are intimidated by a strong female—particularly Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. Petting Sounds: Sounds of sex from a man's apartment turn out to have an unexpected source, and an even stranger explanation. The Picnic: A tableau from a Manet painting that comes to life, revealing a sensual paradise with some disturbing qualities. Balance: A vegetarian tries to explain to her carnivore date why she agreed to go out with him in the first place. A Cry in the Forest: An intrusive aunt finds out it's best not to poke too far into her niece's imagination. Affairs With the Moon: The thoughts of four women in different places as they talk to a debonair Moon. A Wild River: A reporter from Rolling Stone gets an interview with the new pope, who's got some pretty radical ideas. Stardust: The connection of two universal rites of passage between two different couples is slowly revealed.