A Chateau in Hessmer

"A Chateau in Hessmer" contains a collection of short plays by Dr. David J. Holcombe. Lengths vary from ten-minute sketches, to more developed one-acts lasting an hour or so. Subject matter runs the gamut from penile implants to Christmas wreaths, with lots in-between. This collection compliments Dr. Holcombe's previous theatrical works, "Beauty and the Botox" and "Old South, New South, No South."

Not for the faint of heart, the characters and situations reflect the best and worst our society has to offer with stomach-wrenching precision. While sometimes appearing familiar, the characters are, of course, imaginary, reflecting the best practices of confidentiality and good taste. Intrepid directors, teachers and students will find the diversity and depth of the subject matter worth exploring. Come and share a unique, if sometimes disturbing, vision of our contemporary society, played out on the stage as in life.

Much as the monk, Gregor Mendel, worked in isolation in Moravia to develop the foundations of modern genetics, Dr. Holcombe has labored in Central Louisiana to create a body of work that he hopes will resist the ravages of time by incorporating universal elements. You, the reader, must be the judge if he succeeds or not.