Grounded

by George Brant

An F-16 fighter pilot is reassigned to the Air Force’s drone program, piloting a remote-controlled Reaper in the Middle East from an air-conditioned trailer outside of Las Vegas. Confronted with the challenge of fighting a war by day and being a wife and mother by night, she struggles to compartmentalize her existence as her two realities become increasingly permeable.

An F-16 fighter pilot is reassigned to the Air Force’s drone program, piloting a remote-controlled Reaper in the Middle East from an air-conditioned trailer outside of Las Vegas. Confronted with the challenge of fighting a war by day and being a wife and mother by night, she struggles to compartmentalize her existence as her two realities become increasingly permeable.

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Grounded

Recommended by

  • Charlie Lyons: Grounded by George Brant
    “

    We came out of the theatre in another world, The Pilot's world. So moving.

    We came out of the theatre in another world, The Pilot's world. So moving.

    ”
  • Smith Dick: Grounded by George Brant
    “

    An engrossing examination of military drones and how easily the people using them can feel psychologically distanced- as if playing some twisted video game. The format of a one woman show creates a pervading sense of paranoia and claustrophobia as our protagonist unravels trying to reconcile the duality of committing murder via screen.

    An engrossing examination of military drones and how easily the people using them can feel psychologically distanced- as if playing some twisted video game. The format of a one woman show creates a pervading sense of paranoia and claustrophobia as our protagonist unravels trying to reconcile the duality of committing murder via screen.

    ”
  • Philip Hall: Grounded by George Brant
    “

    Seldom have I sat down to read a play only to be TOTALLY drawn into it the way I was with GROUNDED. This is a tight, tense, touching piece of writing. A study for anyone who wants to write a one-person play. Simply brilliant.

    Seldom have I sat down to read a play only to be TOTALLY drawn into it the way I was with GROUNDED. This is a tight, tense, touching piece of writing. A study for anyone who wants to write a one-person play. Simply brilliant.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

1W
  • The Pilot
    THE PILOT should have no allergies or asthma after 12 years of age, distant vision of at least 20/200 but corrected to 20/20, and near vision of 20/40 but corrected to 20/20. She should have a sitting height of between 2 foot 9 inches and 3 foot 4 inches, and a vertical standing height of between 5 foot 4 inches and 6 foot 5 inches tall. She should possess normal color vision and meet other physical weight requirements, with no more than 32% body fat. She should be able to complete a 1.5 mile run in 13 minutes and 56 seconds or less, as well as complete 50 sit-ups and 27 push-ups in a timed test of one minute each. She should have graduated at the top of her class and have a well-rounded education. She should possess heightened situational awareness.
    25-early 40's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, New Harmony Project, 2012
  • Workshop, Bay Area Playwright's Festival, 2012
  • Workshop, WordBRIDGE Playwright's Lab, 2011

Production History

  • Professional, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, 2017
  • Professional, The Alley Theatre, 2016
  • Professional, The Public Theater, 2015
  • Professional, Page 73, 2014
  • Professional, Studio Theatre, 2014
  • Professional, Gate Theatre, 2013
  • Professional, National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The San Francisco Playhouse (CA), Borderlands Theater (Tucson, AZ), and Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City, MO), 2013

Awards

  • Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Play
    League of Off-Broadway Theatres
    Winner
    2016
  • Freedom of Expression Award
    Amnesty International
    Finalist
    2013
  • James Tait Black Prize for Drama
    Finalist
    2014
  • Best Production
    Off-West End Theatre Award
    Winner
    2013
  • British Council Recommendation
    Winner
    2013
  • Fringe First Award
    Scotsman
    Winner
    2013
  • Theatre Netto Festival Prize
    Winner
    2015
  • The Smith Prize
    NNPN
    Winner
    2012