Harriet’s Butterflies
by Ben Henderson
Opening
Do you remember the one you had last night? No? Like Will – O’ – the – Wisps, aren’t they? Dreams, so universally experienced yet so unique to each and so seemingly unquantifiable.
Freud contended they represented unfulfilled wishes, Jung that they were the unconscious mind glimpsing at the events of the day. Fritz Perls suggested they were parts of ourselves that had been ignored or suppressed. In the fourth century, Herodotus was saying they were simply our minds unpacking its daily cares.
Harriet Van Bregmann is a wealthy woman, a very intelligent, very wealthy woman. She’s been described as many things in her 42 years but a dreamer isn’t one of them. Harriet is well-educated, well-travelled, well-heeled, well-read and well-spoken. Harriet is even, in certain circles, well-known. She’s never sought any press attention but it’s come to her as it does for some, through their marriages, their money or how they take their pleasures. Its art, or more specifically fine art that pleases Harriet and the press interest in her comes in waves, waves associated with her frequent high-end purchases….
Characters
Mrs Van Bregmann – Sally Hallowell-Carew
Mrs.Cross – Liz Heaney
The Doctor – Chris Murphy
Well written and cleverly referenced; keeps the listener engaged to the end
Very interesting and the first time listening to an audio play. Whilst initially not engaging with Harriet, I became intrigued as the play went on. Well worth a listen to the very end.
This was my first audio play experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the listening. I found the ongoing anticipation in the story line and the final twist most enthralling. I’m planning to listen to The Devil’s often in the Detail next. I’m looking forward to it and very much hope that Mr Henderson continues to provide such enjoyable plays. Thank you.
I finally finished listening to all 3 parts of this play.. What an unusual ending! Ben is a talented and thoughtful writer and I encourage him to continue..