Contemporary theatre offers a rich tapestry of male monologues that explore the complex and nuanced experiences of modern masculinity. These monologues delve into themes of identity, relationships, ambition, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Here’s a curated selection of contemporary male monologues that showcase the depth and versatility of this genre:
Identity and Self-Exploration
- “Identity Crisis” from “The Boys in the Band” by Mart Crowley
In this seminal play, Michael unravels his innermost fears and insecurities as he grapples with his homosexuality and the societal pressures to conform.
“I’m just a cocksucker, right? I mean, that’s what they think of me. That’s what I think of me. I don’t know what I want. I don’t know who I am. I’m just a cocksucker.”
- “The Geek” from “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams
Jim O’Connor, a lonely shoe salesman, confronts his own inadequacies and the realization that he will never live up to his father’s expectations.
“I’m the geek. I’m the clown. I’m the one who makes the world laugh. But I’m not laughing. I’m the one who’s alone. I’m the one who’s always left out.”
- “The Elephant in the Room” from “Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance
John Merrick, a severely deformed man, confronts the prejudices and misconceptions surrounding his appearance and the search for human connection.
“I am not an elephant. I am a man. But I am invisible, because you gentlemen refuse to see me. You refuse to see me as a human being.”
Relationships and Love
- “Love and Longing” from “Angels in America” by Tony Kushner
Prior Walter, a young man diagnosed with AIDS, grapples with the complexities of love, longing, and the search for connection in the face of adversity.
“Love is a burning house. You can’t just walk away from it. You have to throw yourself into the flames and hope that you don’t get burned.”
- “The Breakup” from “The Seagull” by Anton Chekhov
Trigorin, a famous writer, confronts his own selfishness and the consequences of his broken relationship with the young Nina.
“I am a murderer. I have killed my love for you. I thought it was dead, but it wasn’t. It was just hiding in the shadows, waiting for me to notice.”
- “The Proposal” from “The Marriage of Bette and Boo” by Christopher Durang
Boo Radley, a socially awkward zookeeper, summons the courage to propose to his coworker Bette, revealing his vulnerability and longing for companionship.
“I’m a zookeeper. I take care of animals. I’m not very good at talking to people. But I’m good at taking care of things. I’m good at being there for someone.”
Ambition and Success
- “The Climb” from “Glengarry Glen Ross” by David Mamet
Ricky Roma, one of the top real estate salesmen, delivers a fiery speech about the relentless pursuit of success and the sacrifices made along the way.
“You’re out there on your own. You’re the only one who can close that deal. You’re the only one who can put the money in your pocket. So go out there and close that deal.”
- “The Interview” from “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
Willy Loman, an aging salesman, confronts his fading career and the realization that he has never achieved the success he sought.
“I thought I was a salesman. I thought I was good at this. But I’m not good at it. I’m not good at anything.”
- “The Power Play” from “The Wolf of Wall Street” by Terence Winter
Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker, delivers a captivating monologue about the seductive allure of power and wealth.
“Money is the only thing that matters. Money is power. Money is freedom. Money is the key to everything you ever wanted.”
The Search for Meaning
- “The Existential Crisis” from “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett
Vladimir and Estragon, two tramps, grapple with the absurd and meaningless nature of their existence.
“We wait for Godot. He’s not coming. But we wait anyway. Because what else are we going to do?”
- “The Search for Meaning” from “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, shares his experiences and insights on the human capacity to find meaning even in the darkest of times.
“Man’s search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life and not a ‘secondary rationalization’ of instinctive drives. This meaning is unique and specific in that it must and can be fulfilled by him alone; only then does it achieve a significance which will satisfy him.”
- “The Journey” from “Long Day’s Journey into Night” by Eugene O’Neill
James Tyrone, an aging actor, reflects on his life and the choices he has made, searching for some sense of redemption or meaning.
“I’ve spent my life acting. Pretending to be someone else. And now I don’t know who I am anymore. I’m just a shadow of a man. A ghost of the man I used to be.”
Conclusion
Contemporary male monologues from plays provide a profound and introspective lens into the human experience. They explore the complexities of masculinity, the search for identity, the nature of love, the pursuit of success, and the eternal search for meaning. Whether you’re an actor looking to hone your craft or an audience member seeking to connect with the complexities of modern life, these monologues offer a rich source of inspiration and reflection.