Transgressions

by A.A. Brenner

After being diagnosed with breast cancer and abandoned by their (now ex-)fiancée, nonbinary poet Jess struggles to fend for themselves amongst the wreckage of their formerly-idyllic home. When they receive an unexpected visit from college ex Val, it seems like they may have finally gotten the help they've so desperately craved. But things aren’t as simple as they seem, and Jess must wrestle for control over...

After being diagnosed with breast cancer and abandoned by their (now ex-)fiancée, nonbinary poet Jess struggles to fend for themselves amongst the wreckage of their formerly-idyllic home. When they receive an unexpected visit from college ex Val, it seems like they may have finally gotten the help they've so desperately craved. But things aren’t as simple as they seem, and Jess must wrestle for control over their illness, their identity, and their life before it's too late.

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Transgressions

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Transgressions by A.A. Brenner
    “

    Another brilliant play by Brenner that plays with our concept of time and reality while also teaching us so much about life. Brenner takes on the idea of codependency and toxic relationships in such a visceral and often times uncomfortable way. Hopefully when we are all able to gather again we are able to sit in the discomfort and insight this play produces.

    Another brilliant play by Brenner that plays with our concept of time and reality while also teaching us so much about life. Brenner takes on the idea of codependency and toxic relationships in such a visceral and often times uncomfortable way. Hopefully when we are all able to gather again we are able to sit in the discomfort and insight this play produces.

    ”
  • Nicholas Vasilios Pappas: Transgressions by A.A. Brenner
    “

    A heartfelt, visceral, small-cast play that covers so much in a short amount of time. A.A.'s dialogue flies off the page as Jess grapples with several abrupt life changes and the world seems to crumble around them.

    (The world premiere was curtailed by COVID-19! Check this play out, give it some love.)

    A heartfelt, visceral, small-cast play that covers so much in a short amount of time. A.A.'s dialogue flies off the page as Jess grapples with several abrupt life changes and the world seems to crumble around them.

    (The world premiere was curtailed by COVID-19! Check this play out, give it some love.)

    ”

Character Information

Please cast a nonbinary, trans, or masculine-of-center-identifying person in the role of Jess.

Please cast Val (queer Latinx woman) and Tash (queer femme) as close to their identities as possible.

Jess and Tash are Jewish, but not all Jews are white.
  • Natasha "Tash" Silver
    Mid-late 20s. Jess's ex-fiancé. An actress who can't find her light. Broke off the engagement and left New York for Israel to find herself. Bisexual femme queen. Tender heart. Looking for love in all the wrong (external) places.
    mid-late 20s
    Any Race / Jewish (not all Jews are white)
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jess Abramson
    Late 20s/early 30s. Masculine-of-center nonbinary person. A poet. Diagnosed with breast cancer weeks after being dumped by their (now ex-)fiancé, Tash. Trying to keep it all together but feeling beaten down and alone.
    late 20s
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Nonbinary,
    Trans Masculine,
    Masculine-of-center
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Val De Luca
    Late 20s/early 30s. Jess's first girlfriend / ex from college. Immigration activist.Wears a lot of lipstick and flannel and prides herself on being a rebel. The kind of person who orders a Mai Tai at a dive bar.
    late 20s
    Latinx
    Female or nonbinary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Workshop, Columbia University School of the Arts - MFA Playwriting Program, 2020