Last of Ken
Last of Ken is a comedy about how an African American man, unwilling to take chances and risks, racked with fears and phobias, is forced to confront them when his dead relatives hold an intervention because he’s embarrassing them.
Cast
The cast, except for Ken, Aunt Grace and Debbie are playing multiple roles. Most are African American accept: Hank and Mike. Main Characters Ken Jones: Ken Jones is the visual equivalent of constipation. He’s repressed with issues of inadequacies. He’s afraid of heights. He hates his job, but he’s afraid to admit it. He’s just not a risk taker. Mid to late 30’s. Aunt Grace: A woman in her late 80’s. An independent and feisty old lady. Debbie: Ken’s wife of two years. She’s in her mid-30’s and believes in her man. She has a sense of family and is grounded. Jasper: Older than dirt. Aunt Grace’s faithful manservant. Slow, old and sly. Ken’s Coworkers Mike: One of Ken’s back-stabbing co-worker. Late to early 30’s. Bob: The other back-stabbing co-worker Mr. Barrett: An authoritative voice Debbie’s Relatives Cousin Pete: Stuck in the 60’s. Ex-con with ‘fro Uncle Julius: Older lecherous man. Aunt Julia and Uncle Julius are brother and sister. Aunt Julia: Older lecherous woman Mavis: Debbie’s snobbish sister around mid 30’s The Ancestors Leroy: 1920’s sharp dresser and rake. Thaddeus: In his 70’s, feisty old man, and a little lecherous. A swaggering, hard-bitten old time sheriff. Hank: Ken’s grandfather, 20’s, a late 50’s greaser. White Father: A silhouette Setting Ken’s bedroom: A bed, two nightstands, alarm clock, book, pad of paper, pencil, and nasal spray The dream scenes: child’s wading pool. Aunt Grace’s House: chair, ottoman, table, tea set, (portraits optional) The conference room: conference table and some chairs, lectern. Outdoor reunion: a table with barbeque utensils and aerosol spray. All of the settings are mainly suggestive because of the lighting, particularly the dreams and the “other world.” There is a couch in the “other world.”
Authors
Ann Eskridge