Stone Naked Woman
Friendships are tried, prejudices are revealed, and self-interest is (dare it be said) exposed in this fast-moving comedy! A small Iowa town deals with the weighty issue of whether a stone statue violates the morals ordinance. Chorlis Deets, longtime resident of Lambs Corner, has a new lawn ornament in honor of his departed wife: a stone statue of Aphrodite, painted pink and "situated" on a swing in his front yard. An emergency meeting of the city council is called to deliberate whether or not to forcibly remove the statue. Many townspeople have their say, from the dentist to the grocer to the clergy to the neighbor on the corner. The problem must be resolved quickly because on the heels of Aphrodite, on order from Belgium, Chorlis awaits the arrival of a stone naked Adonis. But, before the issue is settled, word comes that Aphrodite has been stolen! Runs about 45 minutes. (A smaller-cast version of this play is available entitled "Neon Nude.")
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT KAY PHOADS TALKS ABOUT
"THE STONE NAKED WOMAN”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: Stories told by a friend who serves on the city council of a town so small that the notice of the meeting is tacked to the outhouse in the town park and a story in the “Des Moines Register” some years back about whether a statue placed in a resident's yard was art or an obscenity.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: A rather “throw away” line that depicts such innocence on the part of the character: “Webb walked.” It doesn’t move the play forward or explain the actions. It’s one of those tiny lines that tell so much about a character.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: How such seriousness to duty can result in such comedy…for any of us…playwrights included.