The Four Stages of the Curse

Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filipou, this striking contemporary thriller monologue features a sixteen-year-old character delivering an unthinkable reality to an older man named Steven. Martin rapidly and calmly outlines a supernatural ultimatum, methodically detailing the four escalating stages of a curse meant to destroy Steven’s family. The scene establishes an immediate, chilling tension as revenge is presented as a practical necessity rather than an emotional outburst.

Martin is a polite, intense teenager who functions as an unnerving outsider and antagonist. Despite his youth, he wields total psychological dominance through his composure, speaking with brisk efficiency rather than overt hostility. His desire to balance things out feels entirely matter-of-fact to him, making his cold certainty far more terrifying than a typical theatrical villain.

This piece gives younger performers a rare opportunity to showcase stillness, restraint, and quiet menace. Auditors frequently see teenage actors play high-energy angst or emotional volatility, so choosing a deadpan, disturbing piece immediately stands out in the room. It also demands high technical skill, requiring rapid speech, immaculate diction, and an unwavering point of focus.

This monologue is an ideal selection for actors under eighteen who fit antagonist, outsider, or intense character types. Running approximately two minutes, it is exceptionally well-suited for drama school auditions, self-tape submissions, agent showcases, and advanced practice sessions.

Honor the rapid tempo without rushing past the logic of the message, ensuring every distinct stage of the curse is clearly marked for the listener. Resist the temptation to play Martin as overtly cruel, angry, or sinister; treat the entire conversation as an ordinary, polite briefing that simply needs to happen quickly. Ground your physical life in absolute stillness, allowing the horrifying implications of your words to create tension without excessive gesturing.