Hell Is Empty

by TJ Young

[New Draft as of June 2021]
Four friends return to their hotel suite after being caught in the rain. As they catch up, they are reminded of a blood oath they made to each other when they were children. The boundaries of their friendship are pushed as Marcus makes an ask that they can't all get behind. They are no longer who they were growing up, but does that promise they made each other still hold true?

[New Draft as of June 2021]
Four friends return to their hotel suite after being caught in the rain. As they catch up, they are reminded of a blood oath they made to each other when they were children. The boundaries of their friendship are pushed as Marcus makes an ask that they can't all get behind. They are no longer who they were growing up, but does that promise they made each other still hold true?

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Hell Is Empty

Recommended by

  • Mora V. Harris: Hell Is Empty

    I was fortunate to see a reading of this play at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre and the audience was holding its breath the whole time. The relationships in this play feel complex and and lived in, like longterm friendships are. It's incredibly engaging to be jerked in and out of the easy teasing and banter of childhood friends to the violence of old wounds, secrets, and toxic revelations. A rich and weighty piece of theatre!

    I was fortunate to see a reading of this play at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre and the audience was holding its breath the whole time. The relationships in this play feel complex and and lived in, like longterm friendships are. It's incredibly engaging to be jerked in and out of the easy teasing and banter of childhood friends to the violence of old wounds, secrets, and toxic revelations. A rich and weighty piece of theatre!

  • Isaac Byrne: Hell Is Empty

    What seems to start off as a buddy comedy turns into a dramatic dive into friendship, promises, and on what a life well lived actually means. TJ Young writes deft dialogue and layered characters with poetic turns of phrase that can cut like a knife.”

    What seems to start off as a buddy comedy turns into a dramatic dive into friendship, promises, and on what a life well lived actually means. TJ Young writes deft dialogue and layered characters with poetic turns of phrase that can cut like a knife.”

  • Cheryl Bear: Hell Is Empty

    Friendship is tested as boundaries are pushed to the limit and the question of where duties lie in friendship is at the forefront. Well done.

    Friendship is tested as boundaries are pushed to the limit and the question of where duties lie in friendship is at the forefront. Well done.

View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

While any race can play these roles, there must be diversity in the casting.
  • Vic
    Late 30s. Travels the world but somehow has no money.
    Character Age
    Late 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
  • Paul
    Late 30s. Only one with a wedding ring on.
    Character Age
    Late 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
  • Marcus
    Late 30s. Looks like shit. But pulls it off.
    Character Age
    Late 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
  • Clyde
    Late 30s. They are a hardcore planner.
    Character Age
    Late 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any

Awards

  • Semi-Finalist
    Ashland New Play Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2022