SEEING EYE

by Nick Malakhow

FULL LENGTH: Overwhelmed by the world of hook up apps and dating profiles, Jason, who is blind, goes looking for love in person at a gay bar. While smoking outside, he strikes up a conversation with the charming and self-deprecating Robbie. Despite the protestations of his overprotective and anxious sister, Jordan, Jason initiates a whirlwind romance with Robbie that tests whether both men are ready to be fully...

FULL LENGTH: Overwhelmed by the world of hook up apps and dating profiles, Jason, who is blind, goes looking for love in person at a gay bar. While smoking outside, he strikes up a conversation with the charming and self-deprecating Robbie. Despite the protestations of his overprotective and anxious sister, Jordan, Jason initiates a whirlwind romance with Robbie that tests whether both men are ready to be fully seen by someone else.
CW: ableism, Self-injury

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SEEING EYE

Recommended by

  • Kat Hawthorne: SEEING EYE by Nick Malakhow
    “

    Genuinely adore this play. every character was so deeply flawed yet likable- felt like real people. Addressed ableism and gave great insight into life as a blind person. Confronted wanting independence yet also accepting help- and also how everyone experiences love and beauty so differently. The disabled representation made me so happy. Overall, highly recommend it.

    Genuinely adore this play. every character was so deeply flawed yet likable- felt like real people. Addressed ableism and gave great insight into life as a blind person. Confronted wanting independence yet also accepting help- and also how everyone experiences love and beauty so differently. The disabled representation made me so happy. Overall, highly recommend it.

    ”
  • Ryan M. Bultrowicz: SEEING EYE by Nick Malakhow
    “

    Malakhow's dialogue is absolutely brilliant - I was so consistently endeared and entertained during my read. The three characters driving this story are so compelling and authentic you start to feel as if you really know them. Lots of humorous moments (still laughing about a Chris Evans joke in here) balanced well with the more poignant revelations embedded into this script, I highly recommend checking this out.

    Malakhow's dialogue is absolutely brilliant - I was so consistently endeared and entertained during my read. The three characters driving this story are so compelling and authentic you start to feel as if you really know them. Lots of humorous moments (still laughing about a Chris Evans joke in here) balanced well with the more poignant revelations embedded into this script, I highly recommend checking this out.

    ”
  • Jude Cramer: SEEING EYE by Nick Malakhow
    “

    A masterclass in writing romance and fleshed-out characters. All three of them were jumping off the page.

    A masterclass in writing romance and fleshed-out characters. All three of them were jumping off the page.

    ”
View all 46 recommendations

Character Information

Please note: Jason and Jordan were written as Latinx characters. The playwright is open to adapting the play to fit a ***blind actor of color*** to play Jason. If that were to happen, Jordan can be cast as an actor of the same background as the actor playing Jason, and the playwright may adapt the script to fit such circumstances.
  • Jason
    Male, early 20s, Attractive, and might be intimidatingly so if he were twice as confident. Jason is blind. Jason was written as a Latinx character, though the playwright is interested in adapting the piece to fit a blind actor of color who is not Latinx.
    20's
    Latino or another actor of color (see casting note)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • 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
      Male
  • Robbie
    Male, mid to late 20s, Appealing but self-deprecating. Cocky-insecure. Works at Urban Outfitters and dresses the part off duty. Black.
    20s
    Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jordan
    Female, late 20s, Jason’s sister. People call her an “overwhelming” personality, but her brashness is entirely rooted in anxiety. Jordan was written as a Latinx character, though if Jason is cast as a non-Latinx, ***blind actor of color,*** Jordan should be an actor of color in line with the casting of Jason. The playwright can adapt the piece.
    20s
    Latina or another actor of color (see casting note)
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • 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

Development History

  • Reading, Gritty City Repertory Youth Theatre, 2021
  • Reading, Actors Studio of Newburyport, 2020
  • Reading, Playhouse on the Square, 2019
  • Reading, Victory Gardens Theater, Ignition Festival, 2018
  • Reading, Fresh Ink Theater, Ink Spot Festival, 2018

Awards

  • Unicorn Theatre's In-Progress New Play Reading Series
    Finalist
    2020
  • New American Voices Festival
    The Landing Theatre Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting Competition
    Playhouse on the Square
    Finalist
    2019
  • Garry Marshall Theater New Works Festival
    Finalist
    2019
  • Latinx Theater Commons 2018 Carnaval of New Works
    Finalist
    2018