VERTICAL CONSTELLATION WITH BOMB

by Gwydion Suilebhan

New York during World War II. A nun, eagerly collecting scrap metal for the war effort, and Alexander Calder, desperate for raw material for a new sculpture, plead with a grieving mother, clutching a crushed tin airplane tightly to her chest. Will she let go? And for what?

New York during World War II. A nun, eagerly collecting scrap metal for the war effort, and Alexander Calder, desperate for raw material for a new sculpture, plead with a grieving mother, clutching a crushed tin airplane tightly to her chest. Will she let go? And for what?

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VERTICAL CONSTELLATION WITH BOMB

Recommended by

  • Kate Danley: VERTICAL CONSTELLATION WITH BOMB by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    Gut-wrenching and beautiful, and its metaphors on the human condition work on so many levels. It seems odd to mention structure when recommending a play, but this play is so completely theatrical (as in, it has to exist on a stage) that it deserves a shout out. The devices of direct address demand that you actively listen. Highly recommend!

    Gut-wrenching and beautiful, and its metaphors on the human condition work on so many levels. It seems odd to mention structure when recommending a play, but this play is so completely theatrical (as in, it has to exist on a stage) that it deserves a shout out. The devices of direct address demand that you actively listen. Highly recommend!

    ”
  • Ross Tedford Kendall: VERTICAL CONSTELLATION WITH BOMB by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    A play dealing with heavy themes without being heavy-handed. Grounded in truth and in our world, yet reaching for the literal stars with its metaphors. This would be a fantastic little piece to see on stage.

    A play dealing with heavy themes without being heavy-handed. Grounded in truth and in our world, yet reaching for the literal stars with its metaphors. This would be a fantastic little piece to see on stage.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: VERTICAL CONSTELLATION WITH BOMB by Gwydion Suilebhan
    “

    A marvelous piece about turning pain into meaning and beauty so that new life can rise from the ashes. A story of the physical and the spiritual that transcends to the constellations. Well done.

    A marvelous piece about turning pain into meaning and beauty so that new life can rise from the ashes. A story of the physical and the spiritual that transcends to the constellations. Well done.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • Vernell
    A mother, bereft
    40s
    African American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Alexander Calder
    The sculptor
    45
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Nun
    50s or 60s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, City Theatre, 2014

Production History

  • Professional, New Theatre, 2014

Awards