Ghost Light

*Updated 11/22/23*
Full-Length Southern Gothic Horror

Tiana, Esther, and Luke thought they had left their pasts behind. When their father suddenly passes away, the three are forced to return to their family home. Strange things happen around the house convincing Tiana that her recently deceased father might not be done with them. The three are forced to confront the ghosts of their past if they ever hope to be...

*Updated 11/22/23*
Full-Length Southern Gothic Horror

Tiana, Esther, and Luke thought they had left their pasts behind. When their father suddenly passes away, the three are forced to return to their family home. Strange things happen around the house convincing Tiana that her recently deceased father might not be done with them. The three are forced to confront the ghosts of their past if they ever hope to be able to face the ghost in the present. This is a story of trauma, grief, and the complex bonds that tie families together.

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Ghost Light

Recommended by

  • Tom Rowan: Ghost Light

    When three estranged siblings reunite in the house they grew up in for the funeral of their abusive, alcoholic father, they start seeing and hearing spooky things. Is Pa’s ghost reaching out from the beyond to do more damage, or are his victims simply haunted by years of trauma and guilt? With vivid dialogue and sharply drawn characters, this distinctive and original piece uses the traditional trappings of a ghost story to get at something deeper and more real, eventually offering hope for how a broken family might finally begin to heal.

    When three estranged siblings reunite in the house they grew up in for the funeral of their abusive, alcoholic father, they start seeing and hearing spooky things. Is Pa’s ghost reaching out from the beyond to do more damage, or are his victims simply haunted by years of trauma and guilt? With vivid dialogue and sharply drawn characters, this distinctive and original piece uses the traditional trappings of a ghost story to get at something deeper and more real, eventually offering hope for how a broken family might finally begin to heal.

  • Brent Alles: Ghost Light

    A thrilling piece that builds the tension effectively until the fever pitch of the climax. The characters are well developed and engaging. You genuinely feel for them and want them to be able to vanquish the demons of the past. There are eerie touches throughout that definitely keep the reader (and the eventual viewer) on edge. This would absolutely make an excellent edge of your seat performance experience for those that choose to stage it.

    A thrilling piece that builds the tension effectively until the fever pitch of the climax. The characters are well developed and engaging. You genuinely feel for them and want them to be able to vanquish the demons of the past. There are eerie touches throughout that definitely keep the reader (and the eventual viewer) on edge. This would absolutely make an excellent edge of your seat performance experience for those that choose to stage it.

  • Aly Kantor: Ghost Light

    After losing someone who hurt them terribly, three siblings reunite in their family home to go through the motions and perform the rituals of grief for the world. Tiana's narration is a gorgeous way to naturally incorporate exposition as we get to know the house, the characters, and the backstory. The play has a stunning gothic sensibility, and the haunting atmosphere is tense and tangible on the page. It presents a brilliant opportunity for a horror-loving sound designer to ply their trade to tremendously spooky effect! This is a tightly plotted tale about trauma, regret, and healing.

    After losing someone who hurt them terribly, three siblings reunite in their family home to go through the motions and perform the rituals of grief for the world. Tiana's narration is a gorgeous way to naturally incorporate exposition as we get to know the house, the characters, and the backstory. The play has a stunning gothic sensibility, and the haunting atmosphere is tense and tangible on the page. It presents a brilliant opportunity for a horror-loving sound designer to ply their trade to tremendously spooky effect! This is a tightly plotted tale about trauma, regret, and healing.

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Color and Body conscious casting should be considered for all roles that aren't specified.
  • Tiana
    A traumatized child of color in a white family who had committed to radical softness. She is willing to let past sins lie for the sake of family peace. The emotional core of the play.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American/Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Luke
    The middle child. Queer son who ran away at a young age. Flighty and not too serious.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
  • Esther
    Oldest daughter of the family who had to carry the burden of the family's expectations. Organized, uptight, and sometimes cold.
    Character Age
    Upper 30s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Gabriel
    Luke's New York boyfriend.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male or non-binary
  • Stranger
    The lingering influence of Pa in the lives of Tiana, Esther, and Luke. Sometimes it appears as a stranger at a funeral. Sometimes a figure cloaked in darkness.
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization P&D Cohort of Glasgow, Year 2023

Awards

  • Playwrighting Competition Second Rounder
    Austin Film Festival
    Selection
    2023