Triptych - A Love Story in Three Acts

by Sam Heyman

ONE ACT: Not your average love triangle, not your average love story, Triptych is a play told in three parts which follows three Portland twenty-somethings as they navigate their identities, their desires and their connections -- however surprising -- to each other.

Adapted from the short story of the same name, by me.

Featured in the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference Play Lab

Draft updated 6/24/23

ONE ACT: Not your average love triangle, not your average love story, Triptych is a play told in three parts which follows three Portland twenty-somethings as they navigate their identities, their desires and their connections -- however surprising -- to each other.

Adapted from the short story of the same name, by me.

Featured in the 2023 Valdez Theatre Conference Play Lab

Draft updated 6/24/23

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Triptych - A Love Story in Three Acts

Recommended by

  • Kyle R. Thomas: Triptych - A Love Story in Three Acts by Sam Heyman
    “

    So refreshingly honest and authentic. One of my favorite things about this play is how the story builds. Each moment propels from the last, where there's no going back to how the world was before. This play also includes the best possible use of a narrator, one that keeps things moving and keeps things fun. This play is everything that's right about live theatre.

    So refreshingly honest and authentic. One of my favorite things about this play is how the story builds. Each moment propels from the last, where there's no going back to how the world was before. This play also includes the best possible use of a narrator, one that keeps things moving and keeps things fun. This play is everything that's right about live theatre.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: Triptych - A Love Story in Three Acts by Sam Heyman
    “

    I love these characters! All of them (including the narrator). I love how they let down their guards and open themselves to possibilities. Sam Heyman has created a charming play, exploring what it means to be a human attracted to others and in love. The characters are real and well-drawn and we care and worry for them.

    I love these characters! All of them (including the narrator). I love how they let down their guards and open themselves to possibilities. Sam Heyman has created a charming play, exploring what it means to be a human attracted to others and in love. The characters are real and well-drawn and we care and worry for them.

    ”
  • Brenton Kniess: Triptych - A Love Story in Three Acts by Sam Heyman
    “

    What a charming play! Sam Heyman beautifully crafts these characters and this conflict in this unique love story. I found the structure to be very effective and engaging as it made me more invested the more I read. This would be a wonderful addition to any night of one acts. Utterly delightful!

    What a charming play! Sam Heyman beautifully crafts these characters and this conflict in this unique love story. I found the structure to be very effective and engaging as it made me more invested the more I read. This would be a wonderful addition to any night of one acts. Utterly delightful!

    ”
View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

  • Phillip
    Stella's boyfriend, the bisexual barista.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Stella
    Phillip's girlfriend, Marc's not quite ex. Grad student, studying to become a therapist.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Marc
    The writerly coffee shop regular, acquaintance to Phillip and, to his surprise, Stella.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • The Narrator
    The narrator of the story.

Development History

  • Reading, Valdez Theatre Conference, 2023
  • Reading, Playwrights Thriving, 2022