Can a play's plot seem too unlikely?

MarkEsq · May 12, 2008

In my mind, of course, it's a genius idea. But while it comes to me as satire, I worry that the reader/audience will find it hard to get involved, finding it too unlikely or silly. Or not. I need outsuide perspective! Here's the premise (it will be a two-act play):

A church-goer asks his pastor to say a prayer to help him get through his surgical procedure. The pastor forgets, the congregant suffers painful complications, and sues the pastor for "religious malpractice."

It's intended to be a satirical look at what happens when two of our most powerful institutions collide - the church and the law. (I am a lawyer so can get past some of the legal hurdles such a suit would pose in real life.)

Thoughts?

IceCreamEmpress · May 12, 2008

People have actually sued God for not answering their prayers. See here, for instance.

So, no, it's not too far-fetched for a satirical play.

And a Nebraska state legislator sued God last fall as a satirical publicity stunt.

CDarklock · May 12, 2008

MarkEsq said:
I worry that the reader/audience will find it hard to get involved, finding it too unlikely or silly.

I think the basic description of your play, when it's performed, will weed out all the people who would dislike it - the audience will self-select into people who don't find the premise too unlikely.

I think it sounds pretty funny. And with real legal expertise behind it, I would look forward to a great many obscure references that only a lawyer or a law geek like myself would understand.

Like on the season finale of Canterbury's Law when they name-checked Gerry Spence. I was just tickled to hear that.

HeronW · May 12, 2008

You may piss off religious extremists, everything does, but this could be a great satire and commentary on faith vs logic.

Can a play's plot seem too unlikely?

MarkEsq

Clever title pending.

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago

CDarklock

Yes!

HeronW

Down Under Fan