stains

by Sarah Cho

[FULL-LENGTH] A young girl’s first period can bring complicated emotions. But for Christine, a Korean American teenager on the wrong side of Los Angeles, it could also mean burdening her impoverished family. Luckily, she finds support where she least expects it: from a ‘90s pop-culture icon who serves as her “period guide.” A coming-of-age comedy about growing up poor, female, and Korean American in late-90s L...

[FULL-LENGTH] A young girl’s first period can bring complicated emotions. But for Christine, a Korean American teenager on the wrong side of Los Angeles, it could also mean burdening her impoverished family. Luckily, she finds support where she least expects it: from a ‘90s pop-culture icon who serves as her “period guide.” A coming-of-age comedy about growing up poor, female, and Korean American in late-90s L.A., STAINS moves from grounded reality to flights of adolescent fancy while exploring a painfully awkward rite of passage.

STAINS was originally developed as part of 2021 MADlab Playwriting Development Program, produced by Moving Arts Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

In 2022, STAINS received developmental readings at Great Plains Theatre Conference (Omaha, NE), Ashland New Plays Festival (Ashland, OR), and Jungle Theatre (Minneapolis, MN).

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  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: stains

    Fabulous romp of a comedy about a teen's coming of age that warms my heart! Bilingual and specific and yet so universal in its specificity! It will be hilarious onstage. Menstrual plays are as necessary as tampons! I hope it gets produced soon and often!

    Fabulous romp of a comedy about a teen's coming of age that warms my heart! Bilingual and specific and yet so universal in its specificity! It will be hilarious onstage. Menstrual plays are as necessary as tampons! I hope it gets produced soon and often!

  • Steven Strafford: stains

    This play is TERRIFIC. It hits the sweet spot of being hilarious and heartwarming and incisive and zany and perfectly structured. It's SO GOOD. Your theater should produce it yesterday.

    This play is TERRIFIC. It hits the sweet spot of being hilarious and heartwarming and incisive and zany and perfectly structured. It's SO GOOD. Your theater should produce it yesterday.

  • Kate Busselle: stains

    I. LOVE. THIS. PLAY. The painful specificity of puberty, the awkward humiliation of embarrassing grandmothers and moms, 1990s television, and why oh why was Topanga not available? A hilarious play with heart that is a dynamic ensemble piece for all of the women in the show. PLEASE PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

    I. LOVE. THIS. PLAY. The painful specificity of puberty, the awkward humiliation of embarrassing grandmothers and moms, 1990s television, and why oh why was Topanga not available? A hilarious play with heart that is a dynamic ensemble piece for all of the women in the show. PLEASE PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

View all 7 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Great Plains Theatre Commons New Play Conference, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Jungle Theater, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Moving Arts Theatre, Year 2021