OPEN

by Crystal Skillman

AWARD WINNING NYTimes Critics' Pick. Recently published with Dramatists Play Service, OPEN is a magic show without magic. A woman called The Magician seems to pantomime a myriad of tricks, but her act reveals she is attempting the impossible—to save the life of her lover, Jenny.  Impossible as it may seem, this Magician’s magic act may be our last hope against a world filled with intolerance and hate. 

AWARD WINNING NYTimes Critics' Pick. Recently published with Dramatists Play Service, OPEN is a magic show without magic. A woman called The Magician seems to pantomime a myriad of tricks, but her act reveals she is attempting the impossible—to save the life of her lover, Jenny.  Impossible as it may seem, this Magician’s magic act may be our last hope against a world filled with intolerance and hate. 

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OPEN

Recommended by

  • Pauline David-Sax: OPEN

    I had the pleasure of seeing a videotaped production of Open as part of the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe. A richly layered piece about belief in love and magic and the promises we make, both to others and ourselves. Fast-paced while simultaneously digging deep. Great opportunity for both the actor and the sound & lighting designers.

    I had the pleasure of seeing a videotaped production of Open as part of the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe. A richly layered piece about belief in love and magic and the promises we make, both to others and ourselves. Fast-paced while simultaneously digging deep. Great opportunity for both the actor and the sound & lighting designers.

  • Cheryl Bear: OPEN

    A beautiful, moving act of love that beats from the broken heart of grief in the most powerful way. Excellent.

    A beautiful, moving act of love that beats from the broken heart of grief in the most powerful way. Excellent.

  • Aaron Coleman: OPEN

    Brilliantly imaginative! Crystal has written a piece that blends theatrical magic and illusion into a powerful tale of love and loss. The play presents a young woman who so thoroughly believes in magic that she uses the fantasy of it to cope with the realities of life. Written with deep humanity, the piece explores how we often deceive ourselves with emotional slights-of-hand. This is a serious piece, but not heavy. Crystal imbues it with her trademark energy, whimsy, and vibrant sense of play. Actor and director alike will have great fun exploring this wonderfully moving story.

    Brilliantly imaginative! Crystal has written a piece that blends theatrical magic and illusion into a powerful tale of love and loss. The play presents a young woman who so thoroughly believes in magic that she uses the fantasy of it to cope with the realities of life. Written with deep humanity, the piece explores how we often deceive ourselves with emotional slights-of-hand. This is a serious piece, but not heavy. Crystal imbues it with her trademark energy, whimsy, and vibrant sense of play. Actor and director alike will have great fun exploring this wonderfully moving story.

View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

  • The Magician
    Character Age
    Open
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female-identifying

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Rattlestick/New Georges/Red Fern , Year 2015

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization AFO at The Tank , Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization All For One Solo Theater Company Upcoming Project Development Residency , Year 2016

Awards

  • Ground Floor Residency
    Berkeley Rep
    Semi-Finalist
    2016
  • Resident Artist Program
    Mabou Mines'
    Semi-Finalist
    2016