A sketch comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez
English translation by the author
3 characters : 1 male/2 females, 2 males/1 female
He’s looking for a job, even if it’s only temporary. Sam is looking for a partner, but on a permanent contract. They should never have ended up alone together, face to face, in that restaurant. To get what they want, under the watchful eye of their server, who sees through their little games, they each play a part. But neither of them knows that the other isn’t laying all their cards on the table either…
This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM
| DOWNLOAD PDF FOR FREE |
 |
The song from the play. Lyrics and music: Jean-Pierre Martinez. This song may be used as part of a stage production, upon simple request to the author and without any additional fees. The audio file is available upon request, subject to prior authorization from the author for the use of the play’s text.
A Comedy of Misunderstandings and False Appearances
Cards on the Table brings together three characters in a restaurant, each of them playing a part in their own way. Nicolas believes he has come for a job interview after considerably embellishing his CV. Stéphane hopes to meet the ideal man while concealing his true intentions. Alex, the waiter, watches their lies unfold while keeping a few cards of his own close to his chest. The initial misunderstanding thus develops into a succession of mix-ups and revelations.
The play offers three very different and particularly rewarding roles for actors. Nicolas is constantly improvising in order to keep his lies intact; Stéphane tries to seduce while pursuing an agenda of his own; Alex moves from the role of the impeccable waiter to that of an ironic observer and occasional accomplice. The dialogue is fast-paced, the balance of power constantly shifts, and the characters must continually adapt to a situation that is slipping beyond their control. The casting is also highly flexible, since Stéphane and Alex can be played by either a man or a woman.
For the audience, much of the pleasure comes not only from the misunderstandings but also from the gradual uncovering of the truth. Cards on the table plays with appearances, with the lies people tell to land a job or attract someone, and with the difficulty of knowing who really lies behind the character each person presents to others. With three performers, a single setting and a plot full of reversals, the play offers a lively, highly theatrical and accessible comedy, culminating in one final card game in which everyone finally reveals their hand.