Allegra’s Monologue from Pretty Theft by Adam Szymkowicz
"And I’m working at this like group home with Suzy Harris. We hang out a lot..."
Overview of Pretty Theft
Pretty Theft by Adam Szymkowicz is a haunting exploration of grief, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. Allegra’s monologue captures a raw and deeply personal confrontation with her dying father. Oscillating between anger, regret, and desperate love, this monologue is an emotionally charged piece that showcases an actor’s ability to handle volatility and vulnerability.
Character Breakdown
Name: Allegra
Age: Early to mid-20s
Background: Allegra is a young woman grappling with complex feelings of love, resentment, and loss toward her father, who is on his deathbed. Her monologue reveals a strained relationship filled with unresolved tensions and a deep yearning for connection.
Who the Character is Talking To in This Moment: Allegra is speaking to her unconscious, dying father, venting her frustration and heartbreak in an emotionally charged plea.
What’s Just Happened: Allegra reflects on her life updates, her feelings of being unseen and unheard by her father, and her overwhelming fear of losing him.
The Monologue
And I’m working at this like group home with Suzy Harris. We hang out a lot. You know who she is? I think you’d like her. She’s a lot of fun. She was supposed to come here with me today but...she couldn’t make it. Bobby’s good. He works at the garden place in Salem sometimes on the weekends. He wishes he could be here too. He’s uh...a good boyfriend. I think it’ll last for us. One of the great...things. Fuck! It’s just as hard to talk to you now that you can’t talk back. I can’t ever say the right thing to you. You’re just so...not there, aren’t you.You always ignore me. I know even if you can hear me right now, you’re not paying attention. You never…Why don’t I matter to you? What do you want from me?!! Maybe you just want to be left alone. Well, that’s what I’ll do then. I’m sorry I disturbed your death bed you selfish fucking bastard! You self-centered egotistical, pompous fucking bastard! I don’t care what you want! I hope you die! I hope you fucking die real soon! You can fucking rot and be eaten by worms! I hope fucking worms eat you! Worms with big fucking teeth! And rats and flies and vultures! I hope vultures dig you up and take you out of the casket and fly away with you! You fuck! I miss you. I’ve always missed you. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to die. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Oh, Christ, I’m so sorry. Please don’t die. You’re so small. Please, Dad.
BROKEN DOWN:
"And I’m working at this like group home with Suzy Harris. We hang out a lot. You know who she is? I think you’d like her. She’s a lot of fun."
Commentary: The monologue begins conversationally, with Allegra attempting to bridge the emotional gap by sharing mundane updates. Actors should highlight the forced cheerfulness masking her deeper frustrations.
"Fuck! It’s just as hard to talk to you now that you can’t talk back. I can’t ever say the right thing to you. You’re just so...not there, aren’t you?"
Commentary: This section marks a shift to anger and frustration. Actors should lean into the rising intensity, showing Allegra’s resentment and the pain of feeling ignored and unimportant.
"I’m sorry I disturbed your death bed you selfish fucking bastard! You self-centered egotistical, pompous fucking bastard!"
Commentary: Allegra’s anger peaks here, blending rage and heartbreak. This is a cathartic moment for the character, and actors should deliver it with raw, unfiltered emotion.
"You fuck! I miss you. I’ve always missed you. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to die. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Oh, Christ, I’m so sorry. Please don’t die. You’re so small. Please, Dad."
Commentary: The monologue concludes with Allegra’s desperate plea for forgiveness and connection. Actors should allow the vulnerability to overwhelm the character, ending on a note of quiet, heartfelt sorrow.
Suggested New Thoughts Chunking / Paragraphing
Opening Updates: Allegra starts with mundane life updates, attempting to connect with her father.
Frustration with the Past: Her tone shifts as she confronts her father’s emotional absence and her feelings of insignificance.
Peak of Anger: Allegra’s emotions boil over, expressing her resentment and unresolved anger.
Breaking Down: She transitions to regret and guilt, pleading for forgiveness and connection in a deeply vulnerable moment.
Journey Keypoints
Hook: Allegra begins conversationally, creating a false sense of normalcy that contrasts with the emotional volatility that follows.
Turning Point: Her anger and frustration surface as she confronts her father’s emotional absence and their fractured relationship.
Climax: The peak of her anger is laced with heartbreak and desperation, showing the complexity of her emotions.
Resolution: Allegra’s plea for her father’s survival and forgiveness ends the monologue on a vulnerable and emotionally raw note.
Performance Tips
Embrace the Emotional Range: Allegra’s monologue covers a spectrum of emotions, from forced cheerfulness to anger, guilt, and desperation. Explore each shift fully to create a dynamic performance.
Balance Vulnerability and Rage: While her anger dominates certain sections, Allegra’s love and longing for her father are ever-present. Let these emotions anchor the performance.
Use Physicality to Reflect Emotion: As Allegra’s emotions intensify, allow her physicality to mirror her inner turmoil, whether through pacing, gestures, or stillness in her moments of vulnerability.
Focus on Connection: Even though her father is unresponsive, Allegra is speaking to him directly. Maintain a sense of intimacy and urgency throughout.
Learn with Acting Coach Scotland
Allegra’s monologue from Pretty Theft is an emotionally demanding piece, offering a rich opportunity to showcase depth and complexity. At Acting Coach Scotland, we specialize in helping actors unlock their emotional truth, delivering performances that resonate powerfully with audiences.
