Scrooge & Marley

While I was writing my new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, I asked myself how I could escape from the traditional narrative form. I thought about Dickens and his inspired readings of A Christmas Carol. He was an incredible performer bringing all 23 characters in his story to life for his cheering audiences. Since he penned the story from the dark recesses of his own life, it is no wonder that he was able to perform this piece with an earnestness and intensity that was unparalleled. I thought he might be the perfect guide on Scrooge's transformational journey. It seemed like an exciting option, but Dickens was still an outsider peering into Scrooge's world, a world he could never penetrate. I wondered if this option provided the same safe artistic distance as the narrative form that I was trying to escape.

I wanted to plunge deeper and deeper into the heart and soul of the piece. I wanted to capture the intense conflict that so inspired Dickens. I became fascinated with the character of Marley. I had always been repelled by the portrayal of Marley as the screaming ghost that frightens Scrooge into submission and therefore redemption. This concept minimized Scrooge, Marley and the story. All are much more complex.

Marley is Scrooge's true soulmate. In life, he was Scrooge's respected business partner and, because of this, he was closer than anyone could be to Ebenezer's calloused heart. Marley was his only friend. Who could better crack open Scrooge's shell; guide him through the netherworld; show him the errors of his ways and demand his atonement? I felt that no one but Marley could do this. I decided to give this dynamic spirit his day and Marley became our spirit guide on this journey through time and space. Marley's quest passionately delves into the heart and soul of the story and allows us to experience with Scrooge the true spirit of transformation and redemption. 

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