Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell
by Sean P. Mette
When four immortals are gathered aboard the famed ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman, they are presented by Death incarnate with the opportunity of their lifetimes. Of course, any offer from Death comes with its own unique form of terms and conditions.
Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell by Sean P. Mette
5 Characters (3 W, 2M) (55 minutes)
Characters:
Jackie, the Drunk
Senta, the Captain of the Flying Dutchman
Joseph, the Merchant
Pyotr, the Soldier
Bailey, Death
Learn More About the Legends Behind the Characters
The four immortals in Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell are inspired from legends and folklore from around the world. Discover the real myths and legends!
Press & Reviews
15 shows we're excited for at Cincinnati Fringe Festival (Cincinnati Enquirer)
LCT Reviews: FRINGE ’22 DAY 1: June 4 (League of Cincinnati Theatres)
The Original Cast of Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell
Lauren Carr as Joseph
Samantha Luhn as Pyotr
Emmy Rice as Jackie
Katie Scarlett as Senta
and Maggie Lou Rader as Bailey
*Maggie Lou Rader is a member of Actors Equity. This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actors’ Equity Association (FFC).
Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell premiered June 4th, 2022 at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.
Original Production Photo Gallery
See images from the original 2022 Cincinnati Fringe Festival production of Banned from Heaven, Barred from Hell.!
All photos taken by Mikki Schaffner
Original Production Writer’s Notes
I would be willing to wager that most would do almost anything to extend their life. Accomplish what they normally couldn’t in one lifetime. It is incredibly tempting to ponder of all the good, or trouble, one could create if death was not a factor. However, if there is one thing that I have learned from my research into stories and legends from around the world, it is that immortality is a curse.
To clarify, I am not talking about one’s immortal soul, instead, referring to an immortality in which you are cursed to live. Legends, stories, and folk tales warn us that immortals eventually do everything, go everywhere, and see everything. However, once you have experienced all there is in life, what’s next? You still have all eternity before you. It’s not hard to assume this would leave a few wishing for that “‘consummation, devoutly to be wished.” (As the Bard so eloquently put it.)
As I began to write the final version of this show, I decided that I wanted to present a non-rose-colored glasses perspective of immortality. We, unintentionally, hold the idea of immortals as almost god-like creatures, but in most legends they are normal people, like you and me. Often, they make one poor decision and by doing so curse themselves with the worst of situations. They may be immortal, but they’re still human. They can still grieve, have regrets, make mistakes and, occasionally if they are lucky, even fall in love.
Sean P. Mette (2022)
