The Exquisite Corpse

Synopsis:

Set in an isolated house in the country at Christmas, The Exquisite Corpse is a dark comedy concerning the misadventures of two highly intellectual couples who lack emotional insight into themselves. Valentine and Andre, her fiancé and former therapist, are visiting Andre's sister, Greta, a psychiatrist ostensibly dying from cancer, and her husband, Tristan, a depressed philosopher. On Christmas Eve, Greta preys upon Valentines delicately balance psyche, and Andre excoriates Tristan for his self-centered depression in the face of Greta's imminent death. After Christmas Dinner, they play a game of "Exquisite Corpse.' Ironically, the events depicted in the game become objective occurrences that happen back to the players with horrific consequences. Andre and Valentine stab each other, Tristan is struck dead by lightening, and a grief-stricken Greta confesses her cancer was only a ruse to get Tristan to pay attention to her. On early Christmas morning, Tristan comes back to life, Andre attracts him mercilessly for claiming to have met a "Being of Light," and Greta indelicately urges Valentine to confront her obvious alcoholism. Surprisingly, the play ends on a note of reconciliation, at least, between the women.