The Wicked One

by Lisa Sanaye Dring

The Wicked One is the story of a mother faced with a brutal decision. Based on a true story out
of Rosemead, California, a terminal cancer diagnosis forces a first-generation Laotian immigrant
to confront her son's schizophrenia. The Wicked One explores the piercing isolation
experienced by single mothers, the shame around mental illness that often plagues Asian
families, and the heft of having to carry your...

The Wicked One is the story of a mother faced with a brutal decision. Based on a true story out
of Rosemead, California, a terminal cancer diagnosis forces a first-generation Laotian immigrant
to confront her son's schizophrenia. The Wicked One explores the piercing isolation
experienced by single mothers, the shame around mental illness that often plagues Asian
families, and the heft of having to carry your culture with you in a foreign land.

Finalist for the Relentless Award, semi-finalist for the O'Neill Playwrights' Conference. Developed with The New Group and Circle X Theatre Co. Initially written as a part of The Vagrancy's Blossoming Series.

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The Wicked One

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Wicked One by Lisa Sanaye Dring
    “

    A very unique story about the lengths parents will go for their children. A play that feels so universal at times but very specific to the Asian immigrant experience. An honest portrayal of mental illness through the use of stage magic.

    A very unique story about the lengths parents will go for their children. A play that feels so universal at times but very specific to the Asian immigrant experience. An honest portrayal of mental illness through the use of stage magic.

    ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: The Wicked One by Lisa Sanaye Dring
    “

    The Wicked One is a stunning play filled with beautiful scenes full of pathos and love. I loved the use of the masked figures and would love to see this staged. The roles are tremendous, nuanced and complex, actor-dreams! This is one of the most lyrical and intense dramas I've read in a long time.

    The Wicked One is a stunning play filled with beautiful scenes full of pathos and love. I loved the use of the masked figures and would love to see this staged. The roles are tremendous, nuanced and complex, actor-dreams! This is one of the most lyrical and intense dramas I've read in a long time.

    ”
  • Playwrights Foundation: The Wicked One by Lisa Sanaye Dring
    “

    Playwrights Foundation congratulates THE WICKED ONE as a Finalist for BAPF 2020. This play rose to the top 35 out of 735 plays submitted, and was discussed at length by our Bay Area Literary Council for consideration in our season. We loved how this play uses the language of theater to illuminate challenging perspectives and compelling intersectional questions. This play ultimately moved & inspired us and spoke to the core mission of PF. We hope that once we’re allowed to return to our theaters again, it will be considered for production to reach new audiences.

    Playwrights Foundation congratulates THE WICKED ONE as a Finalist for BAPF 2020. This play rose to the top 35 out of 735 plays submitted, and was discussed at length by our Bay Area Literary Council for consideration in our season. We loved how this play uses the language of theater to illuminate challenging perspectives and compelling intersectional questions. This play ultimately moved & inspired us and spoke to the core mission of PF. We hope that once we’re allowed to return to our theaters again, it will be considered for production to reach new audiences.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Playwrights' Arena, 2020
  • Workshop, The New Group, 2019
  • Residency, The Vagrancy, 2018

Awards

  • Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    id Theater
    Finalist
    2020
  • Relentless Award
    American Playwriting Foundation
    Finalist
    2018