Last Gasp

by David Beardsley

In the not too distant future--or maybe it's the very distant future--two scientists prepare a final lifeline for humanity. They're overseeing Project Eden, which they will activate should a desperate, last-ditch effort to save our species from climate-change extinction fail. As the all-important moment approaches, emotion and petty jealousy intrude with disastrous effect. Part sci fi, part horror, part satire...

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Last Gasp

Recommended by

John Mabey: Last Gasp by David Beardsley

“

There’s so much to enjoy about LAST GASP by David Beardsley. The sci-fi is both comedic and thrilling as it all feels just within reach. As tension builds throughout, Beardsley constantly raises the stakes through to the surprising and unexpected conclusion. A great addition to any festival that will definitely have the audience talking afterward.

There’s so much to enjoy about LAST GASP by David Beardsley. The sci-fi is both comedic and thrilling as it all feels just within reach. As tension builds throughout, Beardsley constantly raises the stakes through to the surprising and unexpected conclusion. A great addition to any festival that will definitely have the audience talking afterward.

”
Bethany Dickens Assaf: Last Gasp by David Beardsley

“

There is so much to recommend about this fine play: the humor, the characterizations, and the building tension are all wonderful elements, and Beardsley is adept in drawing them all in a short time-frame. This is one of those plays where you immediately want to see it with an audience and feels the reactions in the room.

There is so much to recommend about this fine play: the humor, the characterizations, and the building tension are all wonderful elements, and Beardsley is adept in drawing them all in a short time-frame. This is one of those plays where you immediately want to see it with an audience and feels the reactions in the room.

”
Christine Foster: Last Gasp by David Beardsley

“

Beardsley's brilliantly conceived short play is gripping, imaginative and truly chilling. I would love to see this onstage as the audience gradually figures out that the characters are not what they seem to be, that time is not what it seems to be, and that our species' survival is not going to even be a 50-50 proposition. I had goosebumps.

Beardsley's brilliantly conceived short play is gripping, imaginative and truly chilling. I would love to see this onstage as the audience gradually figures out that the characters are not what they seem to be, that time is not what it seems to be, and that our species' survival is not going to even be a 50-50 proposition. I had goosebumps.

”

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Character Information

The Voice of Eden can be pre-recorded or performed live.

Jess/Audie/Launch Voice

Character Age

A robot/scientist/memory

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
Pat/Avery/Launch Voice

Character Age

A robot/scientist/memory

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
The Voice of Eden

The computerized voice of the Project Eden facility. Smooth and calm (think Hal from 2001, A Space Odyssey). These lines can be pre-recorded or performed live.

Character Age

n/a

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Mid-America Theatre Conference, Year 2020