Jagged Journey

by Elana Gartner

Jagged Journey is an achronological exploration of the contentious relationship between Ginny and the personification of her Epilepsy. As Epilepsy cartwheels through Ginny’s life, trying to be her friend, Ginny must decide what is worth fighting for, even if it means endangering herself. Inspired by real life events, Ginny and Epilepsy’s challenging dynamic plays out over twenty three years as they battle over...

Jagged Journey is an achronological exploration of the contentious relationship between Ginny and the personification of her Epilepsy. As Epilepsy cartwheels through Ginny’s life, trying to be her friend, Ginny must decide what is worth fighting for, even if it means endangering herself. Inspired by real life events, Ginny and Epilepsy’s challenging dynamic plays out over twenty three years as they battle over sex, college, driving, relationships, friendships, marriage, children and, most of all, power.

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Jagged Journey

Recommended by

  • Julie Zaffarano: Jagged Journey by Elana Gartner
    “

    We had the privilege of hosting a reading of "A Jagged Journey" by Elana Gartner through the Media Arts Council Reading Series. We selected it because it tells a story I have never seen in a play and tells it in such a way that we are drawn into the characters with full empathy. Audience members will talk about this play for days afterwards.

    We had the privilege of hosting a reading of "A Jagged Journey" by Elana Gartner through the Media Arts Council Reading Series. We selected it because it tells a story I have never seen in a play and tells it in such a way that we are drawn into the characters with full empathy. Audience members will talk about this play for days afterwards.

    ”
  • Jennifer O'Grady: Jagged Journey by Elana Gartner
    “

    Gartner's play is a moving coming-of-age story and a theatrical exploration of living with a disability-in this case, epilepsy, personified by a wonderfully surprising character named Epilepsy. Read and produce it!

    Gartner's play is a moving coming-of-age story and a theatrical exploration of living with a disability-in this case, epilepsy, personified by a wonderfully surprising character named Epilepsy. Read and produce it!

    ”
  • Duncan Pflaster: Jagged Journey by Elana Gartner
    “

    An intriguing exploration of dealing with Epilepsy by anthropomorphizing it as a character, personalizing the struggles with protagonist's disability. Great opportunities for bold performers.

    An intriguing exploration of dealing with Epilepsy by anthropomorphizing it as a character, personalizing the struggles with protagonist's disability. Great opportunities for bold performers.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
GINNY: Female. Jewish. Ages 16-39 during the course of the play. Has epilepsy and doesn’t like it. Playwright. Wears bright clothing. Enjoys singing.

EPILEPSY: GINNY’s EPILEPSY. Female, any ethnicity, any age. Sarcastic, wants to be included in GINNY’s life. A very physical and playful character. SHE should be portrayed akin to Loki or Rumpelstiltskin. EPILEPSY wears a silver or gray full body dancer’s leotard. She is constantly trying to read anything.

ISABELLE**: GINNY’s daughter. Ages 4-7 during the play. Sensitive, thoughtful, artistic, loving.

ADAM: Male, mid-20’s-upper 30’s during the course of the play. Kind, thoughtful, supportive, sweet. GINNY’s boyfriend and eventual husband. In finance. Any ethnicity.

JABARI: GINNY’s college boyfriend. African-American. College age. Musician.

RILEY: Male, 19-34 years old during the course of the play. Has muscular dystrophy. Uses an automatic wheelchair. Funny. Econ major. Sensitive about his relationships with girls. Any ethnicity. Must be played by someone who regularly uses a wheelchair.

MARISOL: GINNY’s roommate in college and her best friend. Latinx female. Ages 18-39 during the course of the play. Has diabetes.

NURSE**: Gender neutral character at hospital. Any ethnicity.

**Double casting: ISABELLE and NURSE should be double cast.

Development History

  • Reading, Spalding University MFA Program, 2020

Production History

  • Professional, Industry Readings (In-Person and Virtual), 2023
  • Professional, Media Arts Council (Reading), 2023

Awards

  • GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
    GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
    Finalist
    2022