The Bardo State

by Susan Cinoman

Inspired by the One-Act published in "She Persists" an Honor Roll! anthology
"These women are in their forties and fifties and sixties, and they have been writing a long time, and they are at the height of their craft. These are tight, complex, nuanced pieces of writing, which no one has seen because for too long they weren't looking.

These are important writers, and important plays."
―Theresa Rebeck, from the introduction
Workshop- Connecticut Theatre Exchange, Washington, CT directed by Tracy Liz Miller
Reading- Paradise Factory Theatre directed by Tracy Liz Miller
Reading- Troy Foundry Theatre directed by Tracy Liz Miller
Reading- Naked Angels, NYC
Reading- Westport Country Playhouse Barn
Finalist Florida Lab Theatre

A young man has to decide whether he'll go to his next life with the same set of parents who raised him. (One character doubles.)

A young man has to decide whether he'll go to his next life with the same set of parents who raised him. (One character doubles.)

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

The Bardo State

Recommended by

  • Nathan Christopher: The Bardo State by Susan Cinoman
    “

    What a compelling play, and a fun challenge for two actors! I was drawn in immediately by the mystical feel that Susan Cinoman created (and sustains). And what well-drawn dynamics between the family members (both human and animal)!

    What a compelling play, and a fun challenge for two actors! I was drawn in immediately by the mystical feel that Susan Cinoman created (and sustains). And what well-drawn dynamics between the family members (both human and animal)!

    ”
  • Brynn Hambley: The Bardo State by Susan Cinoman
    “

    A beautiful and spiritual exploration of familial love and devotion. Gorgeously structured in an ethereal and air-light way that evokes the setting. Incredibly touching, and I can't imagine there would be a dry eye in the audience by the end. This would be a great challenge for two seasoned actors eager to expand their comfort zones! For a more in depth review, go to "A Playwright's Journey" on SubStack!

    A beautiful and spiritual exploration of familial love and devotion. Gorgeously structured in an ethereal and air-light way that evokes the setting. Incredibly touching, and I can't imagine there would be a dry eye in the audience by the end. This would be a great challenge for two seasoned actors eager to expand their comfort zones! For a more in depth review, go to "A Playwright's Journey" on SubStack!

    ”
  • Danielle Wirsansky: The Bardo State by Susan Cinoman
    “

    Beautiful, poignant, and touching. A lovely exploration of life, death, grief, and the love that transcends it all.

    Beautiful, poignant, and touching. A lovely exploration of life, death, grief, and the love that transcends it all.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Two actors play multiple roles
  • Cal
    This characters shifts from one to another
    Any over 20
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
  • Sib
    This character shifts from one to another rapidly.
    Any age
    Any

Development History

  • Reading, Naked Angels, NYC, 2022
  • Workshop, Connecticut Theatre Exchange, 2022
  • Commission, Applause Books "Honor Roll!" She Persists Anthology, 2020

Production History

  • Professional, Connecticut Theatre Exchange, 2023