Poppet

Synopsis

A crumbling palace on a once-prosperous island, where the last remnants of a decadent era cling to fading dreams.

Poppet, an obese, housebound man in his late 40s, and his elderly mother are the sole remaining inhabitants of a dying island paradise. Their isolated existence is disrupted by the arrival of Sisi, a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda. As Poppet indulges in food and fantasies, Sisi slowly unveils the dark history of the island and her connection to its downfall, setting in motion a reckoning that will force Poppet to confront the consequences of his family’s actions.

Horton’s play blends dark comedy with elements of magical realism and gothic decay to explore themes of colonialism, environmental destruction, and the corruption of power. The dialogue oscillates between whimsical storytelling and brutal honesty, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors Poppet’s detachment from reality. Through the use of ritualistic routines and repeated motifs, the play examines the cyclical nature of exploitation and denial. The gradual reveal of the island’s history and Sisi’s true identity builds tension, culminating in a haunting finale that blurs the lines between justice, revenge, and inevitable decline.