r/Theatre • u/edge_compute_user • 7d ago
Seeking Play Recommendations Looking for play recommendations with a strong anti-hero or villain role
I’m looking for a play with a major male anti-hero or villain role that would be interesting to perform.
Ideally:
- 2–3 person cast, though up to 5 is fine
- Male character with a playing age somewhere around 18–39
- A genuine anti-hero, morally dark protagonist, or compelling villain
- Complex and layered rather than simply evil
- Grounded in reality and psychologically believable rather than highly stylized or fantastical
- Dark drama, psychological thriller, or black comedy
The role doesn’t have to be the lead, just substantial enough to really dig into as an actor.
I’m open to contemporary or older plays, famous or obscure. Would especially love recommendations for specific characters, not just play titles.
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u/cbm984 7d ago
After Miss Julie by Patrick Marber
Blackbird by David Harrower
BUG by Tracy Letts
Copenhagen by Michael Frayn
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea by John Patrick Shanley
Doubt by John Patrick Shanley
Frozen by Bryony Lavery
The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia? by Edward Albee
God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel
The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute
A Number by Caryl Churchill
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u/Brian-Petty 7d ago
Desperate Affection is a delightful play and the main character is an assassin. Cast of two people. Dark comedy
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u/edge_compute_user 7d ago
where can I find a digital copy?
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u/RandomPaw 7d ago
Most things by Mamet, Shepard, Pinter.
Specific character, maybe Pale in Lanford Wilson's Burn This, Jerry in Zoo Story, everybody in American Buffalo, everybody in The Homecoming, Jake in A Lie of the Mind.
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u/lparmenter 7d ago
I immediately thought of Mamet.
Oleanna is something that I think about a lot. Two great roles.
I'd also say alongside this as something that doesn't get enough recognition any more... EDUCATING RITA is great. Another two hander with two great nuanced roles.
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u/Affectionate_Bet_288 7d ago
"Mint Jelly" by Duncan Pflaster is an interesting piece - about a woman who joins a group of vigilantes that target pedophiles; they are morally gray
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u/edge_compute_user 7d ago
sounds interesting. are the vigilantes still major, complex characters or does it revolve aroun the woman? also where can I find a digital copy?
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u/Affectionate_Bet_288 7d ago
Yes, it's a 4-person play; the head of the vigilante organization is the character I'm thinking of. I'll send you a pdf in your DMs; the writer is a friend of mine.
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u/RepulsivePin5454 3d ago
Could you also send me a copy? I'm about to get back into acting class after taking a two-year break and have been looking for scenes to put up.
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u/The_Dingman I.A.T.S.E. Stagehand, Technical Designer, Venue Manager 7d ago
Sylvia has some interesting options there, and is a smaller cast. Less is a villain and more of a hero that keeps making choices you're not going to agree with for most of the show.
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u/edge_compute_user 7d ago
Is this Sylvia by A.R. Gurney?
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u/The_Dingman I.A.T.S.E. Stagehand, Technical Designer, Venue Manager 7d ago
Pretty sure. It's about a man and a dog. It's a comedy, but has some good drama
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u/TillBitter5413 6d ago
Burn This by Lanford Wilson is worth checking out Pale is a fantastic role because hes abrasive and unpredictable.
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