In this monologue, I explore poignant memories of famous 1920’s socialite Zelda Fitzgerald. I aimed to challenge myself as a writer and performer. The work seeks to elicit an empathetic response from the audience and facilitates an opportunity to reflect on how life can have sad turns, regardless of status or wealth.

A range of sources inspired my script, archival letters between Zelda and her husband, poems she had written, and a novel inspired by her life.

My research in 1920’s high-class society significantly influenced my performance. I chose to perform with a truthful realism while incorporating stylised conventions to highlight the character’s fanciful perspective on her life.

A key moment in my performance is when the character shifts from the exciting and loud tone in the line “that commodity was once so plentiful” to the soft and sad reframe “it has become far more precious than I ever imagined it could be''. Thus gently creating a shift in tone and atmosphere. Emphasising the character’s emotional connection to her memories, represented by the feather boa she tenderly holds close.