The Ergonomic Perfection of the Rotary Phone

by Brian James Polak

| Ten minute play |

Due to her schizophrenic episodes, and a family ill-equipped to give them the care they need, Cary was institutionalized. Bree has come to visit for the first time and is hopeful Cary will be well enough to leave the hospital, and will accept hospitalization was the only solution for the family. Cary, however, has a lot more on their mind and Bree’s arrival only reinforces fears that...

| Ten minute play |

Due to her schizophrenic episodes, and a family ill-equipped to give them the care they need, Cary was institutionalized. Bree has come to visit for the first time and is hopeful Cary will be well enough to leave the hospital, and will accept hospitalization was the only solution for the family. Cary, however, has a lot more on their mind and Bree’s arrival only reinforces fears that everyone is against them. As they speak together it becomes clear neither will get what they want and their relationship as siblings may never return to what it used to be.

Published by Smith & Kraus's in the anthology The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2023

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The Ergonomic Perfection of the Rotary Phone

Recommended by

  • Ryan M. Bultrowicz: The Ergonomic Perfection of the Rotary Phone by Brian James Polak
    “

    Through raw and authentic dialogue, Brian James Polak explores the complexities of dealing with mental illness and the strain it can place on family dynamics. Cary and Bree engage with each other in such a tender but also painful way - reflecting their individual fears and desires about the situation.

    Through raw and authentic dialogue, Brian James Polak explores the complexities of dealing with mental illness and the strain it can place on family dynamics. Cary and Bree engage with each other in such a tender but also painful way - reflecting their individual fears and desires about the situation.

    ”
  • Aly Kantor: The Ergonomic Perfection of the Rotary Phone by Brian James Polak
    “

    What a heartbreaking glimpse into a gorgeously specific moment that is, nevertheless, hauntingly familiar to so many. A single prop does so much narrative work, but what stood out to me was the natural dialogue, with all its camouflaged pain and thoughtful imperfections. It's so clear that these two characters live in distinct realities that overlap just enough to make the wounds they inflict on one another sting. I commend Polak for writing Cary with so much intelligence and dignity! Gorgeous.

    What a heartbreaking glimpse into a gorgeously specific moment that is, nevertheless, hauntingly familiar to so many. A single prop does so much narrative work, but what stood out to me was the natural dialogue, with all its camouflaged pain and thoughtful imperfections. It's so clear that these two characters live in distinct realities that overlap just enough to make the wounds they inflict on one another sting. I commend Polak for writing Cary with so much intelligence and dignity! Gorgeous.

    ”
  • Daniel Prillaman: The Ergonomic Perfection of the Rotary Phone by Brian James Polak
    “

    A heart-wrenching glimpse into mental illness and the toll it can take on those affected, whether you've the illness or no, whether you're family or no. The phone pulls double duty as a memory of an earlier, less afflicted time, and damning evidence that Cary is still not well. The imagery and reveals are pitch-perfect, and this is a powerhouse scene for two actors. Most certainly a piece to remember for any short festival programming it.

    A heart-wrenching glimpse into mental illness and the toll it can take on those affected, whether you've the illness or no, whether you're family or no. The phone pulls double duty as a memory of an earlier, less afflicted time, and damning evidence that Cary is still not well. The imagery and reveals are pitch-perfect, and this is a powerhouse scene for two actors. Most certainly a piece to remember for any short festival programming it.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Production History

  • Professional, Broken Nose Theatre, 2022