Cacti

by Daphne Macy

3 women, 1 boy, 1 child of any gender.

How far can you run in 15 seconds? If you lived in the Israeli towns that are close to the border with Gaza, your life would depend on it. Cacti tells the story of an Israeli middle school biology teacher who attempts to decide between her past, her family, and all that is familiar, to her calling and feeling of safety in the world.

3 women, 1 boy, 1 child of any gender.

How far can you run in 15 seconds? If you lived in the Israeli towns that are close to the border with Gaza, your life would depend on it. Cacti tells the story of an Israeli middle school biology teacher who attempts to decide between her past, her family, and all that is familiar, to her calling and feeling of safety in the world.

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Cacti

Recommended by

  • Premiere Stages at Kean University: Cacti by Daphne Macy
    “

    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “Cacti” by Daphne Macy as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “Cacti” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the complex family dynamics, and the specificity of the world in which they live. The theatricality of the child that follows Yael around, as well as the sonic element of the “lonely whale” songs were very engaging. Our congratulations and thanks to Daphne.

    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “Cacti” by Daphne Macy as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “Cacti” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the complex family dynamics, and the specificity of the world in which they live. The theatricality of the child that follows Yael around, as well as the sonic element of the “lonely whale” songs were very engaging. Our congratulations and thanks to Daphne.

    ”

Character Information

  • Yael
    A middle school biology teacher who aspires to be a marine biologist. A fish out of water living in an Israeli desert town. Haunted by traumatic events from her past.
    37
    Israeli
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Yoni
    Yael’s son. Intelligent, curious, and mischievous. There is more than meets the eye.
    12.5
    Israeli
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Dana
    Yael's daughter. As sarcastic, passionate, and brutally honest as teenagers can be.
    15
    Israeli
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Savta
    Yael’s mother. A no-nonsense, opinionated, and resilient woman.
    Late 60's
    Israeli
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • The Child
    Ageless, genderless. A mysterious, silent presence in the play.
    An ageless child
    Genderless
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child
  • Uri
    Yael’s husband. An absent presence in the play. We hear him, but never see him on stage.
    39
    Israeli
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, La MaMa Studio (Ken Forman's Collective), 2019
  • Reading, Studio 353, 2019

Awards

  • Premiere Play Festival
    Premiere Stages at Kean University
    Semi-Finalist
    2020