The Island of Dr. Moreau

The Island of Dr. Moreau adapted by Robert Kauzlaric

(0)
Productions (10)
Drama
|
80 - 90 minutes
3 W, 9 M, 1 Any (13-20 actors possible: 3-5 W, 9-15 M)
Content Notes: Mild adult language, adult content
Set: Flexible set, able to shift quickly between locations.

Having survived a shipwreck, days adrift at sea, and a "rescue" by brutish sailors, mild-mannered Edward Prendick finds himself on an uncharted island ruled by the disgraced Dr. Moreau. Ruthlessly pursuing what he believes to be God's work, Moreau experiments on living creatures, filling his dystopia with a menagerie of tortured Beast Folk desperate to obey laws they can't comprehend. The addition of Prendick to the island's tumultuous ecosystem results in chaos, violence, and ruin. A meditation on colonialism and the human capacity for destruction.

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $150

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

Having survived a shipwreck, days adrift at sea, and a "rescue" by brutish sailors, mild-mannered Edward Prendick finds himself on an uncharted island ruled by the disgraced Dr. Moreau. Ruthlessly pursuing what he believes to be God's work, Moreau experiments on living creatures, filling his dystopia with a menagerie of tortured Beast Folk desperate to obey laws they can't comprehend. The addition of Prendick to the island's tumultuous ecosystem results in chaos, violence, and ruin. A meditation on colonialism and the human capacity for destruction.

  • Drama
  • |
  • 80 - 90 minutes
  • 3 W, 9 M, 1 Any (13-20 actors possible: 3-5 W, 9-15 M)
  • Content Notes: Mild adult language, adult content
  • Set: Flexible set, able to shift quickly between locations.

Published Reviews

"A gripping combination of tension and bombast, Moreau makes for engrossing theater and a shrewd cautionary tale about what happens when science outpaces morality; progress takes priority over principles; and outsiders impose order at the point of gun upon a community they don't understand."

Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald (Chicago)

"Robert Kauzlaric's crisp script...contains much physicality and fast action in a thrillingly mysterious tale of horror. This is a suspenseful 90 minute one-act that builds high tension and scares us throughout. The Island of Dr. Moreau is grand theatre that brings to life a haunting mystery novel... Don't miss this gem."

Tom Williams Chicagocritic

"Enough ghoulish theatricality for a lifetime of Halloweens, are in play in the hugely ambitious, wildly physical, stunningly effective 90-minute stage version of Wells' story."

Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"Retold with a passion that never congeals into camp, Robert Kauzlaric's adaptation...offers 90 minutes of thoughtful fright."

Lawrence Bommer, Chicago Free Press

"Taut, exciting and unforgettable."

Catey Sullivan, Windy City Times

Production History

JAN 20, 2022 - JAN 22, 2022
Lake Braddock Secondary
Burke, VA United States
Lake Braddock Secondary Burke, VA United States
OCT 11, 2018 - OCT 14, 2018
Blinn College-Brenham
Brenham, TX United States
Blinn College-Brenham Brenham, TX United States
SEP 20, 2017 - SEP 23, 2017
National University Theatre Society
Acton, ACT Australia
National University Theatre Society Acton, ACT Australia
APR 11, 2017 - APR 11, 2017
Central Catholic High School
Modesto, CA United States
Central Catholic High School Modesto, CA United States
NOV 18, 2016 - NOV 19, 2016
Berwick Academy
South Berwick, ME United States
Berwick Academy South Berwick, ME United States
APR 22, 2016 - APR 23, 2016
Mulvane High School
Mulvane, KS United States
Mulvane High School Mulvane, KS United States
APR 07, 2016 - APR 09, 2016
The Theatre Lab School Of The Dramatic Arts
Washington, DC United States
The Theatre Lab School Of The Dramatic Arts Washington, DC United States
OCT 26, 2012 - NOV 03, 2012
T.C. Williams HS Drama Dept.
Alexandria, VA United States
T.C. Williams HS Drama Dept. Alexandria, VA United States
OCT 30, 2008 - NOV 01, 2008
Spanish River Community High School
Boca Raton, FL United States
Spanish River Community High School Boca Raton, FL United States
OCT 12, 2007 - DEC 02, 2007
Lifeline Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
Lifeline Theatre Chicago, IL United States
No upcoming productions.
OCT 12, 2007 - DEC 02, 2007
Lifeline Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
Lifeline Theatre Chicago, IL United States

Awards (1)

Winner, Best New Adaptation, Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards (2008)