The Principle of the Matter

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The Principle of the Matter (Demo Script)

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This demo script is exclusively for personal and academic reading, review, and literary purposes. By purchasing this script, users agree not to perform, reproduce, resell, publish, translate, edit, modify, cut, add, adapt, reinterpret, livestream, or record readings of this play. Script transfers are not permitted, except for academic use in classroom settings where students receive credits, grades, recognition, and/or certification for reading, review, and/or literary evaluation. No commercial use of this script is permitted. Access to this material does not grant production, staging, or licensing rights. All rights remain reserved by the author (“playwright” and “copyright holder”).

The Principle of the Matter (Small Performance License)

$99.99

The Small Performance License grants users non-exclusive rights to perform this script for audiences of no more than 100 attendees per performance. By purchasing this script, users agree not to reproduce, resell, publish, translate, livestream, or record for commercial distribution without prior written permission from the author (“playwright” and “copyright holder”). Users agree not to transfer the script. Any script changes, edits, modifications, cuts, additions, adaptions, or reinterpretations require written approval from the author and/or their agent representation. By purchasing this script, users agree to use the author’s name and likeness on all promotional and programmatic materials and press releases. This license only provides limited performance rights, and does not transfer ownership, publication, or full exclusive production rights to users. All rights remain reserved by the author.

The Principle of the Matter (Large Performance License)

$199.99

The Large Performance License grants users non-exclusive rights to perform this script for audiences exceeding 100 attendees per performance. By purchasing this script, users agree not to reproduce, resell, publish, translate, livestream, or record for commercial distribution without prior written permission from the author (“playwright” and “copyright holder”). Users agree not to transfer the script. Any script changes, edits, modifications, cuts, additions, adaptions, or reinterpretations require written approval from the author and/or their agent representation. By purchasing this script, users agree to use the author’s name and likeness on all promotional and programmatic materials and press releases. This license only provides limited performance rights, and does not transfer ownership, publication, or full exclusive production rights to users. All rights remain reserved by the author.

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The Principle of the Matter by Russell Nichols

~ 2024 Holiday Playwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner

Synopsis: It’s the day after Christmas, which means the first day of Kwanzaa. Every year, at the local community center, the seven principles gather to celebrate. But this year, one hasn’t shown up. Umoja is missing, and nobody is more rattled than Nia, the group’s compass. In the vein of Clue and in the spirit of the holidays, The Principle of the Matter is a Black comedy mystery about tradition, identity and what happens when unity is nowhere to be found.

Russell Nichols is a playwright, poet, speculative fiction writer and endangered journalist. He creates what he calls Theatre of the Cipher: puzzle-box plays where people are trapped in constructs beyond their control. He was one of three playwrights selected by Shabach Enterprise through the American Theatre Wing's 2025 National Theatre Company Grant program. He is currently writing a commissioned play about NASCAR legend Wendell Scott for Barter Theatre. Raised in Richmond, California, he got rid of all his stuff in 2011 to live out of a backpack with his wife, vagabonding around the world ever since. Look for him at russellnichols.com.