Familiar

by Robert J. LeBlanc

[TEN-MINUTE DRAMA]
Familiar is the funny and poignant conversation between an older and younger man. Through the tragedy of dementia, a son realizes the importance and beauty of memories and finds a way to communicate with his father who no longer recognizes him as his son.

[TEN-MINUTE DRAMA]
Familiar is the funny and poignant conversation between an older and younger man. Through the tragedy of dementia, a son realizes the importance and beauty of memories and finds a way to communicate with his father who no longer recognizes him as his son.

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Familiar

Recommended by

  • John Patrick Bray: Familiar

    LeBlanc’s characters are so richly textured it’s hard to believe this is a work of fiction. My mother-in-law had dementia; moments in this play hit home. Really hard. Leblanc should be commended for handling such a terrifying and heartbreaking issue with such patience and kindness towards his characters. I feel like I know Lou. I highly recommend this work!

    LeBlanc’s characters are so richly textured it’s hard to believe this is a work of fiction. My mother-in-law had dementia; moments in this play hit home. Really hard. Leblanc should be commended for handling such a terrifying and heartbreaking issue with such patience and kindness towards his characters. I feel like I know Lou. I highly recommend this work!

  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: Familiar

    Damn, this hits hard. But beyond the sadness of watching your father forget who you are is the beauty of the candid conversation Jon is able to have with his father believing he is a stranger. The love between the two, though clouded by dementia, is clear and strong. "Pay attention more and worry less." Very good advice.

    Damn, this hits hard. But beyond the sadness of watching your father forget who you are is the beauty of the candid conversation Jon is able to have with his father believing he is a stranger. The love between the two, though clouded by dementia, is clear and strong. "Pay attention more and worry less." Very good advice.

  • Steven G. Martin: Familiar

    "Familiar" is a memorable short play that beautifully establishes dramatic irony to reach an audience's emotions. I feel such strong empathy for Jon, the son, in this father-and-son play. The restraint he shows is necessary, but it doesn't make it any less painful. And because of Robert J. LeBlanc's skills, an audience will recognize and understand the choices for Jon's restraint in "Familiar."

    "Familiar" is a memorable short play that beautifully establishes dramatic irony to reach an audience's emotions. I feel such strong empathy for Jon, the son, in this father-and-son play. The restraint he shows is necessary, but it doesn't make it any less painful. And because of Robert J. LeBlanc's skills, an audience will recognize and understand the choices for Jon's restraint in "Familiar."

View all 21 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Crowbait Club Playwriting Death Match, Portland, Maine, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Monmouth Community Players, MCP Shorts Festival, Year 2022
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Town & Gown Theater, Stillwater OK, Year 2022
  • Type Community Theater, Organization The Orange Players, Acting Up On Line, Orange Connecticut, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization Players Workshop San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization The Raven Players, Year 2020
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Cold Comfort Theater, Belfast, Maine, Year 2019
  • Type Community Theater, Organization The Orange Players, Orange Connecticut, Year 2019
  • Type Professional, Organization John Desotelle Studio, New York, Year 2019
  • Type Professional, Organization Raze The Space, Los Angeles California, Year 2019

Awards

  • LA Made/Raze The Space Playwriting Award
    LA Made/Raze The Space
    Winner
    2019
  • The Crowbait Club Playwriting Death Match - Best Play, March
    The Crowbait Club
    Winner
    2019