Billy the tiger

Synopsis:

 In the backdrop of a provincial town in the 1970s during a bustling fair, "Billy the tiger" unfolds its narrative, weaving together the tales of two unlikely protagonists: Billy, a majestic Bengal tiger fallen into captivity, and Lakis, a man ensnared by the constraints of societal expectations.

As the fair unfolds, bringing with it a myriad of wonders from around the world, Lakis, a symbol of a different kind of imprisonment, encounters Billy. Their meeting sparks a transformative journey, as Lakis sees it as a quest for freedom, while harsh realism suggests it's a journey towards inevitable demise.

The play navigates through themes of captivity, identity, and the yearning for liberation, culminating in a poignant revelation about Lakis's true essence. Despite his appearance in the play Lakis is not a child but a retard adult.  This is revealed only at the end of the play.  Lakis embodies the innocence and purity of a child's soul, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of adulthood outside the norms.

Driven by a desire to break free from his own captivity, Lakis makes a bold decision to free the tiger, embarking on a solitary journey into the unknown. Through his journey, he grapples with existential questions and societal norms, ultimately confronting the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of true freedom.

 "Billy the tiger" offers audiences a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, inviting them to reflect on the innate desire for liberation amidst the constraints of society. With its rich tapestry of characters and profound thematic depth, the play promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression long after the curtains fall.

Character Breakdown:

Lakis: (Male, late 30s) – Note: Until the end Lakis should give the impression of an adolescent or even younger than an adult. 

The central protagonist of the play, Lakis is a complex character trapped in the confines of societal expectations. Despite his adult appearance, he possesses the innocence and purity of a child's soul. Throughout the journey, Lakis grapples with his identity and embarks on a quest for freedom, ultimately revealing his true essence as a "delayed" adult with a childlike heart.

Billy: (Portrayed by a dancer) - Billy is a majestic Bengal tiger, symbolizing captivity and oppression. Through expressive dance movements, Billy embodies the struggle against confinement and serves as a metaphor for Lakis's own internal conflicts.

Victor: (Male, adolescent) - A multifaceted character, Victor represents authority and oppression within the circus world. As Lakis's friend and tormentor, Victor holds a position of power, reflecting the societal structures that confine the tiger thus Lakis as well. The actor playing Victor also portrays various male roles within the play, highlighting the pervasive influence of oppression and liberation.

Kiki: (Female, over 40) - Kiki serves as the narrator of the story, providing insight into the psychological dynamics at play. As a professor of psychology at the local university, Kiki brings a level of intellectual depth to the narrative, analyzing the characters' behaviors and motivations. The actress playing Kiki also embodies other female roles within the play, reflecting the different facets of repression and liberation  and societal norms faced by women in the provincial city.

Overall, the characters in "Billy the tiger" represent various facets of oppression and liberation within the provincial town. Through their interactions and internal struggles, they invite audiences to ponder the complexities of human nature and the quest for true freedom amidst societal constraints.