Dirty Laundry

Following the unexpected loss of her mother and simultaneous discovery of her father’s infidelity, an adult daughter juggles grief and anger. Her dad attempts to put into words his complicated feelings about love, loss, and lust. Meanwhile, the “other woman” ponders: What is an affair when it's no longer an affair? In Dirty Laundry, Mathilde Dratwa explores the absurdity and messiness of life and death.

Following the unexpected loss of her mother and simultaneous discovery of her father’s infidelity, an adult daughter juggles grief and anger. Her dad attempts to put into words his complicated feelings about love, loss, and lust. Meanwhile, the “other woman” ponders: What is an affair when it's no longer an affair? In Dirty Laundry, Mathilde Dratwa explores the absurdity and messiness of life and death.

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Dirty Laundry

Recommended by

  • Dan West: Dirty Laundry

    Suddenly losing a parent to cancer can be devastating. To discover the betrayal of the remaining parent at the very same moment in time has the potential to be soul-crushing. In Mathilde Dratwa’s “Laundry Day”, the lead character (a young mother) must decide whether to choose spiritual orphanhood or to forgive a father that has done something unforgivable to her lost mother. A chorus of alters/witness supplies sly commentary and witty insights in this comedic drama about what it means to be a wounded child and hurting parent; and both at the same time.

    Suddenly losing a parent to cancer can be devastating. To discover the betrayal of the remaining parent at the very same moment in time has the potential to be soul-crushing. In Mathilde Dratwa’s “Laundry Day”, the lead character (a young mother) must decide whether to choose spiritual orphanhood or to forgive a father that has done something unforgivable to her lost mother. A chorus of alters/witness supplies sly commentary and witty insights in this comedic drama about what it means to be a wounded child and hurting parent; and both at the same time.

  • Brynn Hambley: Dirty Laundry

    This play is a reminder that traditional structure and format are not the right choice for every story told upon a stage. The very nature and emotional life of the characters is translated not only through their dialogue with each other and the chorus's comments upon it, but through how the text is laid out. Dratwa is brutally honest and vulnerable in this piece, voicing a lot of the inner thoughts of those of us who have grieved someone or something very deeply. A healing piece, indeed.

    This play is a reminder that traditional structure and format are not the right choice for every story told upon a stage. The very nature and emotional life of the characters is translated not only through their dialogue with each other and the chorus's comments upon it, but through how the text is laid out. Dratwa is brutally honest and vulnerable in this piece, voicing a lot of the inner thoughts of those of us who have grieved someone or something very deeply. A healing piece, indeed.

  • Shaun Leisher: Dirty Laundry

    Really loved this play. Me and her father have such an authentic relationship as they deal with issues like loss and betrayal. Loved the use of the chorus and how they moved the play along. This play has a really great ending that refuses to tie things up neatly. It's a well-earned ending that is filled with truth.

    Really loved this play. Me and her father have such an authentic relationship as they deal with issues like loss and betrayal. Loved the use of the chorus and how they moved the play along. This play has a really great ending that refuses to tie things up neatly. It's a well-earned ending that is filled with truth.

View all 9 recommendations
ME (30s)
MY DAD (70s)
ANOTHER WOMAN (60s)
CHORUS (3 or more, any age)

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization The Playwrights' Center, Year 2022
  • Type Commission, Organization Audible, Year 2021