Taking the Census: A Farce

Name: Taking the Census: A Farce
Author: Elizabeth F. Guptill

By Elizabeth F. Guptill

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Humour Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A short comic farce stages a household visit by a government enumerator whose routine questions spark escalating misunderstandings. A resourceful householder answers with literal readings, evasions, and playful flirtation, while domestic interruptions and a child's movements complicate the exchange. The clerk’s attempts to record names, births, occupations, and property provoke absurd responses and comic exits. The piece satirizes bureaucratic procedure through rapid dialogue, physical business, and dialectal humor, turning a mundane survey into a sequence of misreadings and laughter.

About the Author

Elizabeth F. Guptill

Elizabeth F. Guptill was an American playwright and author known for her contributions to children's theater and light-hearted farces. Her works often blend humor with engaging narratives, making them suitable for both young audiences and family performances. Among her notable titles is "A Topsy-Turvy Christmas," which showcases her ability to craft whimsical holiday tales. Guptill's plays, such as "A Troublesome Flock: A Mother Goose Play for Children" and "Answering the Phone: A Farce," reflect her talent for creating entertaining and accessible stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.