Variations on the Death of Trotsky

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Variations on the Death of Trotsky is a short one act comedy written by David Ives.

The play depicts the death of Leon Trotsky in eight varying ways. The play is divided into 8 scenes or "variations," depicting the last day of Trotsky's life. True to its title, the play calls for Trotsky to die at the end of each scene, and then continues on from near were the last scene left off, usually progressing the story a bit further each time. Since the play takes place on the day of Trotsky's death (one day after the attack) Trotsky is depicted with a mountain climber's axe sticking out of his skull. Though this is apparent to the audience from the very beginning, Trotsky himself does not realise that the axe is there until his wife, known only as Mrs. Trotsky, comes in with an encyclopedia from the future which tells of Trotsky's demise. The third and final character is introduced near the end of the play; Ramon Mercader, the Spanish assassin who smashed the axe into Trotsky's head in the first place. Though the play is funny, it ends on a slightly sad and philosophical note, with Trotsky lying in bed contemplating the cruelty and unpredictability of fate.

Overall the play has a lot of comedic potential and tends to run about 15 minutes depending on the choices of the director. The only stage requirements are a desk, some chairs, and a calendar of some sort. Other props include a fake skull, an encyclopedia, and possibly a small hand mirror. Costumes are one of the biggest challenges of the play, since it can be difficult to get the axe to stay on the actor's head. Often this can be achieved, however, by a discreetly used headband and a liberal use of bobby pins. An actor with long or bushy hair is preferable, since the hair can hide a headband and will look more the part.

Cast of Characters (and the original actors):

Trotsky: Daniel Hagen,
Mrs.Trotsky: Nora Mae Lyng,
Ramon: Steven Rodriguez

Variations on the Death of Trotsky was first presented at the Manhattan Punch Line Theatre in New York City in January 1991, directed by Jason Mcdonnal Buzas, stage managed by Kathryn Maloney.