Octopolis (NHB Modern Plays)

By Marek Horn

Professor George Grey is world-renowned for her pioneering research into octopus intelligence. Recently bereaved, her closest relationship these days is with her research subject: Frances, who resides in a large, purpose-built tank in George's campus accommodation.
But when ambitious anthropologist Harry enters her life, his breathtaking new theory threatens to tear her world apart in more ways than one…

A play for two actors – and one octopus – Octopolis by Marek Horn is a fascinating and funny exploration of love, grief, and what makes us human. It premiered at Hampstead Theatre, London, in September 2023, directed by Ed Madden.
'A grownup campus romcom, with profound and complex ideas about consciousness and intelligence' - Guardian
'A tangled, tentacled tale… unabashedly cerebral' - The Times
'Funny, touching, and surprising… an intimate two-hander that reveals itself to be about vastly expansive ideas… Marek Horn's writing is probing and incisive… manages to express very complex ideas, both academic and interpersonal, with a surprising lucidity, and with moments of unexpected comedy… an intricately intellectual piece of theatre, diving headfirst into questions of sentience, religion, grief, and community from a uniquely smart writer… you could watch or read Octopolis several times over and continue to notice something new… if you go to the theatre to think, to learn something, to do some introspection, it's unmissable' - Broadway World
'Fascinating… a game of who's-watching-who as a rapid-fire sparring of wits and intellect dive and propel through the murky waters of grief, spirituality, and admiring love' - WhatsOnStage

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nick Hern Books
• Release date: Sep 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781788507042

Marek Horn

Marek Horn is a playwright whose work includes: Octopolis (Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, 2023); Yellowfin (Southwark Playhouse, 2021) and Wild Swimming (2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Bristol Old Vic and UK tour).

Book preview

ACT ONE

A caption appears in the blueish darkness: A FUTURE.

GEORGE and HARRY dance to David Bowie.

The movements are small and tentative, precise and symmetrical.

*

A new caption appears: THE PAST. Unless otherwise stated, it should remain for the duration of the act.

H. She stood in the doorway

G. Jesus Christ!

H. It was apparent to me, for various reasons, that I must’ve woken her up

G. What the fuck do you think you’re doing?

H. I’m sorry!

G. How the hell did you get in here?

H. This is the Octopus House, is it not? You are Professor Grey?

G. What are you doing with my kettle?

H. I’m… Well, I’m making a cup of tea

G. Right

Beat.

H. Would you…

Like one?

G. No!

H. Right

G. What I would like

Is to know why you’re stood in my fucking kitchen

Unannounced

First thing in the fucking morning!

H. Professor, it is not first thing, it is nearly midday

And it is not your kitchen

G. Well I’m sorry…

H. The kitchen, much like the kettle, much like the rest of this house belongs to the university

G. I’m sorry but this is a home invasion and I don’t much feel like splitting hairs

H. This is not a home invasion

G. I don’t much feel like swapping semantics with my fucking burglar, if it’s all the same to you

H. I am not a burglar, I have a key

I held the key above my head. My back was turned

My eyes remained fixed upon the kettle and away from the doorway in which she stood

G. Well where the fuck did you get