Friends Don't Let Friends (or: Television Lied To Us)

by Chris Barlow

Matt and Kayla always thought they had the rare gay/lesbian BFF relationship that could withstand whatever the world threw at them–– the kind of codependent friendship that would make for a great TV show (if either one of them would ever get around to to writing it). But when Kayla’s girlfriend helps her score a dream job writing for a real TV show in Los Angeles, Matt’s resentment opens the door to questions of...

Matt and Kayla always thought they had the rare gay/lesbian BFF relationship that could withstand whatever the world threw at them–– the kind of codependent friendship that would make for a great TV show (if either one of them would ever get around to to writing it). But when Kayla’s girlfriend helps her score a dream job writing for a real TV show in Los Angeles, Matt’s resentment opens the door to questions of nepotism, diversity, and representation that threaten to tear their friendship apart.

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Friends Don't Let Friends (or: Television Lied To Us)

Recommended by

  • Dianne Nora: Friends Don't Let Friends (or: Television Lied To Us) by Chris Barlow
    “

    This play is hilarious, touching, and cutting in its wit. The characters surprise you with their depth and tenderness, despite a sheen of sarcasm and cool detachment. Its poignancy sneaks up on you while you’re busy laughing.

    This play is hilarious, touching, and cutting in its wit. The characters surprise you with their depth and tenderness, despite a sheen of sarcasm and cool detachment. Its poignancy sneaks up on you while you’re busy laughing.

    ”

Character Information

  • Matt
    A perpetually-unproduced playwright.
    30ish
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Kayla
    Matt's best friend who quit theater for a 9-to-5 a few years back.
    30ish
    BIPOC
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Annie
    A young lawyer; Kayla's girlfriend for the past 2-3 years.
    30ish
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Carson
    Kayla's coworker and a friend of Annie's.
    24 going on 25
    Asian
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Fresh Fruit Festival @ The Wild Project, NYC, 2018
  • Workshop, West of 10th @ the Dramatists Guild, NYC, 2017