Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

by Bertolt Brecht

Grusha, a young servant girl fleeing with an abandoned noble infant, attempts to buy milk from a cynical peasant. The scene highlights the harsh reality of war-torn poverty as the Old Man exploits Grusha's desperation, forcing her to pay an exorbitant price to keep the child alive.

Poor Things

by Tony McNamara

After witnessing extreme poverty, Bella decides to give away Duncan's gambling winnings to two stewards she believes will help the poor. When Duncan wakes up and realizes his fortune is gone, Bella tries to explain her newfound philosophical awakening while Duncan descends into a violent rage.

A Woman of No Importance

by Oscar Wilde

Hester, a young American visitor, delivers a scathing critique of the English upper class's hypocrisy and moral decay. She challenges their superficial values and lack of spiritual depth, contrasting their wealth with their perceived spiritual poverty.

Mrs Warren's Profession

by George Bernard Shaw

Mrs Warren passionately defends her life choices to her daughter, Vivie. She explains how the systemic poverty of the Victorian era left her with no choice but to enter the sex trade to survive and provide a better future for her child.

Who's Afraid of the Working Class

by Christos Tsiolkas, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, rew Bovell

Rhonda reflects on her life as a mother living in poverty, her struggles with welfare services, and the tragic news of her children's death in a fire.

The Return

by Reg Cribb

Steve delivers a cynical and aggressive breakdown of the cycle of poverty and boredom in suburban Australia. He challenges a writer to document the harsh reality of his life and the desperate search for purpose that leads to violence.

The Return

by Reg Cribb

Steve, a disillusioned working-class Australian man, confronts a writer about the cycle of poverty and boredom in the suburbs. He explains how a lack of purpose and the pressure of societal expectations can lead a man to pick up a gun.

Poverty Is No Crime

by Alexander Ostrovsky

Korshunov, a wealthy and elderly suitor, attempts to convince a young woman that marrying an old man is superior to marrying a young one. He uses manipulation and cynical logic to argue that youth brings jealousy and infidelity, while age brings stability and material rewards.