A Curse in the Family

Written by Justin Kuritzkes for the film Queer, this dramatic monologue features Lee delivering an eccentric, darkly comedic reflection on his identity and past. Speaking to his companion over dinner, Lee recounts a heightened personal history filled with grotesque melodrama and the bizarre wisdom of a departed mentor. What begins as a theatrical performance gradually peels back its eccentric layers to reveal a poignant search for intimacy and human connection.

Lee is a man in his forties who operates as both an outsider and an intense romantic. He uses florid language, morbid humor, and flamboyant self-deprecation as a sophisticated defense mechanism to guard his fragile core. While his demeanor is quirky and cynical, his elaborate storytelling serves as an invitation, demonstrating his deep yearning to bridge the gap between himself and the outside world.

This two-minute piece provides a showcase for verbal dexterity and sudden tonal shifts. Auditors get to see an actor balance sharp comic timing with genuine emotional vulnerability, transitioning effortlessly from surreal storytelling to an intimate plea. The monologue commands attention through its unusual imagery while keeping the performer grounded in a clear, active objective directed at a specific scene partner.

This monologue is best suited for male actors aged 35 to 45 who fit character actor, leading man, or intense outsider casting types. It serves as an impressive selection for self-tapes, agent showcases, and drama school auditions looking for bold, contemporary drama with an unconventional voice. Performers who excel at heightened language and nuanced emotional layering will find it especially rewarding.

Treat the eccentric anecdotes with complete sincerity rather than playing them strictly for laughs. The humor lands most effectively when you embrace the absurdity with absolute gravity, allowing your audience to be seduced by the rhythm of the language. Most importantly, ensure the final turn lands intimately by remembering that the entire story is an active tactic to convince your listener that you belong together.