TERMINUS

by Gabriel Jason Dean

Eller Freeman and her grandson Jaybo live together down by the railroad tracks. When Eller's health and sanity begin to fade, her tragic and violent past haunts her from the very walls of the old family home. On the verge of discovering love and a place in the world, seventeen-year-old Jaybo struggles to provide what his wily grandmother needs most. Part of The Attapulgus Elegies. Through the lives of the...

Eller Freeman and her grandson Jaybo live together down by the railroad tracks. When Eller's health and sanity begin to fade, her tragic and violent past haunts her from the very walls of the old family home. On the verge of discovering love and a place in the world, seventeen-year-old Jaybo struggles to provide what his wily grandmother needs most. Part of The Attapulgus Elegies. Through the lives of the citizens of Attapulgus, the 7 play collection chronicles the disappearance of a small mill town in Appalachia at the end of the 20th century. Developed by PlayPenn, the Lark, Oregon Shakespeare, McCarter Theatre and the Playwright's Center. Available for premiere.

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TERMINUS

Recommended by

  • Samantha Marchant: TERMINUS by Gabriel Jason Dean
    “

    Beautifully crafted! The Haunts are so well used and slipping between Eller’s times is masterfully handled. I appreciate the power behind the Jesus-Cross-Nail. I had chills when, “HENRY takes off his hat and becomes THAT MAN once again.

    Beautifully crafted! The Haunts are so well used and slipping between Eller’s times is masterfully handled. I appreciate the power behind the Jesus-Cross-Nail. I had chills when, “HENRY takes off his hat and becomes THAT MAN once again.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: TERMINUS by Gabriel Jason Dean
    “

    A haunting piece about dementia, family trauma, race, identity, and secrets. The specters of Eller's past float in and out of the text in a way that heightens the theatricality of the play. Jaybo's complex relationship with his grandmother, his semi-absent father, and his own identity provide a perfect storm that keeps him trapped in its eye until the decisive final moments. Gabriel Jason Dean balances beautifully observed everyday speech rhythms with spare and lyrical text. I'd love to see a fully realized production of this!

    A haunting piece about dementia, family trauma, race, identity, and secrets. The specters of Eller's past float in and out of the text in a way that heightens the theatricality of the play. Jaybo's complex relationship with his grandmother, his semi-absent father, and his own identity provide a perfect storm that keeps him trapped in its eye until the decisive final moments. Gabriel Jason Dean balances beautifully observed everyday speech rhythms with spare and lyrical text. I'd love to see a fully realized production of this!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: TERMINUS by Gabriel Jason Dean
    “

    A beautiful play that reveals a gut of emotional turmoil surrounding this Southern American family's experience of life with complicated dynamics and a strong connection to their higher power. Well done.

    A beautiful play that reveals a gut of emotional turmoil surrounding this Southern American family's experience of life with complicated dynamics and a strong connection to their higher power. Well done.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, McCarter Theatre, 2015
  • Reading, Playwrights' Center, 2014
  • Reading, Page 73, 2014
  • Reading, PlayPenn, 2013
  • Reading, The Lark, 2013
  • Workshop, Oregon Shakespeare, 2012

Production History

  • Professional, South Camden Theatre Company, 2020
  • Professional, Monk Parrots at New York Theatre Workshop NEXT DOOR, 2018
  • Professional, Vortex Repertory Theatre, 2016