the stranger

by Sam Walsh

FULL LENGTH: In small town America, Roy, the local repairman lives alone in his childhood home. One morning, his estranged niece Maxine shows up on his doorstep, forcing them both to navigate the ghosts of their past in order to truly live in the present. 'the stranger' is a quiet meditation on the trappings of grief, regret, and learning when repairing something actually means starting anew.

FULL LENGTH: In small town America, Roy, the local repairman lives alone in his childhood home. One morning, his estranged niece Maxine shows up on his doorstep, forcing them both to navigate the ghosts of their past in order to truly live in the present. 'the stranger' is a quiet meditation on the trappings of grief, regret, and learning when repairing something actually means starting anew.

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the stranger

Recommended by

  • Jen Diamond: the stranger by Sam Walsh
    “

    A beautiful play about people trying and failing to connect with one another across time and family. "The Stranger" stages a moving meditation on loneliness and grief through its dynamic cast of characters (actors will love)!

    A beautiful play about people trying and failing to connect with one another across time and family. "The Stranger" stages a moving meditation on loneliness and grief through its dynamic cast of characters (actors will love)!

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: the stranger by Sam Walsh
    “

    A heartfelt play about people trying to find their place in this world. I adored the final scene.

    A heartfelt play about people trying to find their place in this world. I adored the final scene.

    ”
  • Matthew Weaver: the stranger by Sam Walsh
    “

    Sam Walsh is your new favorite playwright you just haven't read yet.
    the stranger is a lovely, thoughtful play that wears its heart entirely on its sleeve. Walsh takes the unique tactic of literally revolving her whole play around a quiet man who is uncomfortable with showing emotions. In her capable hands, both Roy and the people surrounding him are three-dimensional, fully realized real people who just happened to wander onstage.
    She also is a theatrical magician, deftly managing scene changes in ways that would make even the most grizzled, world-weary stage technicians jolt anew with...

    Sam Walsh is your new favorite playwright you just haven't read yet.
    the stranger is a lovely, thoughtful play that wears its heart entirely on its sleeve. Walsh takes the unique tactic of literally revolving her whole play around a quiet man who is uncomfortable with showing emotions. In her capable hands, both Roy and the people surrounding him are three-dimensional, fully realized real people who just happened to wander onstage.
    She also is a theatrical magician, deftly managing scene changes in ways that would make even the most grizzled, world-weary stage technicians jolt anew with revived spark and wonder.

    read more
    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Hunter College MFA Roundtable Reading Series, 2023

Awards

  • WP Lab
    WP Theater
    Semi-Finalist