Synopsis: Adam lies gravely ill in a hospital bed and subconsciously finds himself suspended on a literal and metaphorical edge. He is “seated” between life and death, with his feet dangling over darkness. Like standing on a precipice over Niagara Falls, he feels tempted to jump off into the abyss, but resists.
A mysterious presence known as “The Voice” starts up a conversation with him. This disembodied character claims to be one of many guides assigned to help souls decide whether to move forward into death or fight their way back to life.
Their discussion leads Adam and the audience through the patient’s stages of death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Throughout, Adam grapples with fear, regret, the sadness of unfulfilled dreams, and the guilt of his own perceived shortcomings. The Voice responds with a puzzling combination of mockery, humour, and overly friendly language that challenges Adam to confront what truly matters.
Meanwhile, the off-stage pleas of his wife, Ruth, tug at him emotionally from the world he may choose to leave behind. She reminds him of love, fun, responsibility to kids and grandkids, and the life they’ve built together.
Combining dark humour with emotional gravity, On The Edge explores the delicate place between survival and submission — and the human act of choosing to live or die. The audience is left to think about the profound conundrum of determinism vs. free will.
10 Minute, 3 Character Stage Play and Audio Drama
Written by Rich & Dorothea Helms
Tag Line: As Adam teeters on the edge of life, he encounters a mysterious presence.
Characters:
- ADAM: middle-aged or older man wearing basic hospital gown. Not shaven and hair messy.
- THE VOICE: Deep voice. Heard from off stage.
- WIFE, Ruth: middle-aged or older woman. Heard from off stage.
First Performance
Premiered at Stage Right Theatrics’ annual theatre festival Jan 31 and Feb 1-2, 2025 at the Abbey Theater of Dublin in Dublin, OH.
- Adam: Doug Browell
- Wife: Linda Goodwin
- The Voice: George Spelvin
- Directed by Veronica Heer
- Producer: Robert Cooperman
Review on New Play Exchange: Tom Erb
“This play feels like a “Twilight Zone” episode, which I totally relate to. Putting into words and describing the space between life and death could be daunting, but not for Rich Helms. Through the character of Adam, he explores the stages of grief with grace and gravity, complete with off-stage voices to add a layer of depth, making the off-stage characters very real. With a light and serious tone, “On the Edge.” is an engaging and reflective theatrical experience—a truly unique one!”
Stage:
Since “On The Edge” began as an audio drama, the staging remains simple and suitable for a reading.
Lights drop and when they come up Adam is sitting on the centre stage edge, his legs facing the audience. He is wearing only a basic short hospital gown. The Voice and Ruth are off stage or behind Adam so not in his field of view.
(Wiki: “According to the model of the five stages of grief, or the Kübler-Ross model, those experiencing grief go through five emotions: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.” These labels help guide how Adam is facing his own death.)
