Greater Illinois

(Full length. Two Acts.) Multiple timeliness, a woman standing her ground, a gay man terrified for his life, the ghosts that haunt them, and what lengths we’ll go to seek justice. Greater Illinois tells two stories interwoven that examine the intersections of fear, race, homophobia, and The Greater Illinois Council, a government agency insistent on “making a brighter tomorrow today,” no matter the human cost...

(Full length. Two Acts.) Multiple timeliness, a woman standing her ground, a gay man terrified for his life, the ghosts that haunt them, and what lengths we’ll go to seek justice. Greater Illinois tells two stories interwoven that examine the intersections of fear, race, homophobia, and The Greater Illinois Council, a government agency insistent on “making a brighter tomorrow today,” no matter the human cost. Greater Illinois is the story of who chooses fight, flight, or freeze and what happens when they choose.

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Greater Illinois

Recommended by

  • Emily Draffen: Greater Illinois

    I had the honor of seeing the world premiere at Theatreworks, from Playhouse on the Square, and was deeply moved by this timely, tense, skillfully told story that cleverly weaves together the "before" and the "now".

    I had the honor of seeing the world premiere at Theatreworks, from Playhouse on the Square, and was deeply moved by this timely, tense, skillfully told story that cleverly weaves together the "before" and the "now".

  • Bella Poynton: Greater Illinois

    One of the best plays I've read in the past few years. Strafford weaves together a complex, engrossing, speculative tale that holds you from start to finish. I can't wait to see this play go places!

    One of the best plays I've read in the past few years. Strafford weaves together a complex, engrossing, speculative tale that holds you from start to finish. I can't wait to see this play go places!

  • John Bavoso: Greater Illinois

    Wow. I was absolutely absorbed in this piece from page one. Reading this script in this time, when so many of the events described have either come to pass already or seem imminent and inevitable, filled me with such unease and has served as a timely reminder of all I haven’t done because I wasn’t personally affected in some way. But, at the heart of this piece is the very specific relationships between these characters and how real and complicated they feel. This play needs to be produced literally right now. Highly recommended!

    Wow. I was absolutely absorbed in this piece from page one. Reading this script in this time, when so many of the events described have either come to pass already or seem imminent and inevitable, filled me with such unease and has served as a timely reminder of all I haven’t done because I wasn’t personally affected in some way. But, at the heart of this piece is the very specific relationships between these characters and how real and complicated they feel. This play needs to be produced literally right now. Highly recommended!

View all 6 recommendations
TIMELINE NOW
Donielle, Late 20s- Late 30s, Black Woman. She is smart, funny, and a good debater.
Evan, Late 20s-Late 30s, Black Man. He is tender, kind, and loves Donielle.
Wanda, Early 50s-Early 60s Black Woman. She is kind, but defnitely a mother-in-law
TIMELINE THEN
Patrick, 30s-40s, white Gay Man. He is anxious and quiet. Scared to make any move.
Mac, 30s-40s, Black Gay Man. He is wry and smart and inside Patrick’s head.
The Attendant, Late 40s-Late 60s white Woman. She is able to kill you while smiling.
Ben, Early-Mid 20s white Gay Man He is sweet and sexy.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Ohio University, Year 2021

Awards

  • New Play Contest
    Tantrum East
    Winner
    2021
  • New Play Contest
    Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
    Runner Up
    2021
  • New American Voices Contest
    The Landing Theatre Company
    Finalist
    2021