'A middle-aged working class widow feels put upon by her two children in their early twenties and fears loneliness when they leave home. She remembers the time when she couldn't even eat an orange in case the kids would have to go without. She reads the personal columns seeking a man v.m. The neighbours suspect that she is having an affair with the postman she has known all her life. She has met a man and the postman brings her his letters surreptitiously, but she is having second thoughts because he's a Lutheran and church and wowserism don't appeal. The son gives her an orange, she crumples the letter and goes back to the personal notices.' (Source: Helen Haenke Plays Table - Fryer Library, University of Queensland)
Characters
Mrs Elsie Brodie: 45/50. A widow who has 'kept herself nice'.
Tom: Elsie's son, about 22.
Louella: Elsie's daughter, about 20.
Alex Flaherty: the postman, Elsie's age.
Scene
An all-purpose living-room at the back of Elsie's home. Possibly an enclosed verandah. Door L open to kitchen; door LB to outside; door R to rest of house. Table to R. - half of it set for breakfast, other half with various clutter, including large dish of fresh fruit. To L. Elsie ironing Tom's shirt on ironing board supported on back of two chairs. Tom at table, with his back to her, eating hurriedly. Wearing singlet and neat dark trousers. Louella finishes cup of tea and starts lacquering nails.
