The Wild Boar Of Chernobyl

by Francesca Pazniokas

In the wake of a devastating nuclear war, Americans have been forced to rebuild their lives underground. Scientists insist it's too dangerous for citizens to survive on Earth's radioactive surface, but a fast-growing cult, led by a preacher and his mysterious family, believe otherwise. They're determined to return to the surface, no matter the cost. THE WILD BOAR OF CHERNOBYL is a futuristic fable about the...

In the wake of a devastating nuclear war, Americans have been forced to rebuild their lives underground. Scientists insist it's too dangerous for citizens to survive on Earth's radioactive surface, but a fast-growing cult, led by a preacher and his mysterious family, believe otherwise. They're determined to return to the surface, no matter the cost. THE WILD BOAR OF CHERNOBYL is a futuristic fable about the struggle of faith vs. fact, and fanaticism vs. science.

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The Wild Boar Of Chernobyl

Recommended by

  • Kristen Palmer: The Wild Boar Of Chernobyl by Francesca Pazniokas
    “

    a play with its own gravity that pulls you in and keeps you there as there gets creepier and creepier. such a great read!

    a play with its own gravity that pulls you in and keeps you there as there gets creepier and creepier. such a great read!

    ”
  • Conor McShane: The Wild Boar Of Chernobyl by Francesca Pazniokas
    “

    Wow. A wonderfully freaky play that serves as an effective parable of the dangers of religious dogma divorced from reality and a ripping good slice of sci-fi horror to boot. An incredibly effective read that I would absolutely love to see on stage!

    Wow. A wonderfully freaky play that serves as an effective parable of the dangers of religious dogma divorced from reality and a ripping good slice of sci-fi horror to boot. An incredibly effective read that I would absolutely love to see on stage!

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: The Wild Boar Of Chernobyl by Francesca Pazniokas
    “

    A fast paced and extremely unsettling and well-done piece of theatrical horror and science fiction. Its messages about cult personalities and fear of government overreach to the point of self-destruction are perpetually (sadly) relevant. Pazniokas manages to establishes a crystal clear world here without unnecessary exposition and with just a few well-chosen characters. This would be a blast for designers to dive into, and the roles are all well-rounded too, no doubt giving the actors who will play them much to work with! I hope to see this live and on its feet!

    A fast paced and extremely unsettling and well-done piece of theatrical horror and science fiction. Its messages about cult personalities and fear of government overreach to the point of self-destruction are perpetually (sadly) relevant. Pazniokas manages to establishes a crystal clear world here without unnecessary exposition and with just a few well-chosen characters. This would be a blast for designers to dive into, and the roles are all well-rounded too, no doubt giving the actors who will play them much to work with! I hope to see this live and on its feet!

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

  • Girl
    7 or 8, but should be played by an older actress
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Governor
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Mother
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Father
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • One
    7 or 8, but should be played by an older actress
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Two
    7 or 8, but should be played by an older actress
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Doctor
    30s+
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, The Parsnip Ship, 2023
  • Workshop, Reed College, 2023
  • Reading, Copious Love Productions, Seattle, 2019
  • Workshop, Matchstick Theatre, 2019
  • Reading, Project Y Playwrights Group, 2018

Awards

  • The Ground Floor
    Berkeley Rep
    Semi-Finalist
    2018