the stranger

A quietly explosive family drama set in a small American town where past and present collide over one uneasy holiday visit. When Maxine arrives at the home of the uncle she barely knows, buried grief begins to surface. Tender, unsettling, and darkly funny, the stranger asks what we owe the people who share our blood — and what happens when love isn’t enough to bridge the distance between us.

A quietly explosive family drama set in a small American town where past and present collide over one uneasy holiday visit. When Maxine arrives at the home of the uncle she barely knows, buried grief begins to surface. Tender, unsettling, and darkly funny, the stranger asks what we owe the people who share our blood — and what happens when love isn’t enough to bridge the distance between us.

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the stranger

Recommended by

  • R. F. Welch: the stranger

    What really stands out in this play is the breadth and scope Walsh conveys just by letting the characters exist in the space. They each have such unique voices and the unsaid hangs in the air with every exchange.

    What really stands out in this play is the breadth and scope Walsh conveys just by letting the characters exist in the space. They each have such unique voices and the unsaid hangs in the air with every exchange.

  • Jen Diamond: the stranger

    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

    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.

View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Rough Draft, Year 2025
  • Type Reading, Organization Hunter College MFA Roundtable Reading Series, Year 2023

Awards

  • Cherry Lane Playwrights Collective
    Cherry Lane
    Semi-Finalist
    2026
  • ABT Playwright Invitational
    American Bard Theatre
    Finalist
    2026
  • McNerny Playwriting Contest
    College of Charleston
    Finalist
    2026
  • Theatre 503 International Playwright Award
    Theatre 503 International Playwright Award
    Finalist
    2025
  • Rooftop Reading Series
    Breaking and Entering Theater Collective
    Semi-Finalist
    2025
  • WP Lab
    WP Theater
    Semi-Finalist
    2024