Stand Your Ground

by Patrick Vermillion

In the extreme heat of a South Florida summer, Carson pulls a gun on cyclist Starlee during a road rage incident. To his surprise, Starlee was carrying a gun of her own and she shoots Carson in self-defense, putting him in a coma. Wracked with guilt over the incident, Starlee vows to help Carson get back on his feet no matter what. But when Carson wakes up, she's surprised to learn he only wants one thing: a...

In the extreme heat of a South Florida summer, Carson pulls a gun on cyclist Starlee during a road rage incident. To his surprise, Starlee was carrying a gun of her own and she shoots Carson in self-defense, putting him in a coma. Wracked with guilt over the incident, Starlee vows to help Carson get back on his feet no matter what. But when Carson wakes up, she's surprised to learn he only wants one thing: a rematch.

A play about what happens when individuals subsume the responsibility of the state and whether or not violence is inevitable.

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Stand Your Ground

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  • Kate Mickere: Stand Your Ground by Patrick Vermillion
    “

    Stand Your Ground defied all of my expectations of what a play about gun violence in Florida could be. It's funny, provocative and fascinating. I've never seen a reading where the audience was so invested in each reveal and turn. The play is an exciting challenge for designers that I would love to see on the stage!

    Stand Your Ground defied all of my expectations of what a play about gun violence in Florida could be. It's funny, provocative and fascinating. I've never seen a reading where the audience was so invested in each reveal and turn. The play is an exciting challenge for designers that I would love to see on the stage!

    ”
  • Kate Busselle: Stand Your Ground by Patrick Vermillion
    “

    This play is the best case study of how far a character is willing to go for an (absurd) objective and overcoming as many obstacles as possible. There was zero predicting as to what would happen in this play when I experienced it at the Great Plains Theatre Conference. A perfect snapshot of the complexities of Stand Your Ground laws in a visceral (and sometimes delightfully cringeworthy) depiction of Florida.

    This play is the best case study of how far a character is willing to go for an (absurd) objective and overcoming as many obstacles as possible. There was zero predicting as to what would happen in this play when I experienced it at the Great Plains Theatre Conference. A perfect snapshot of the complexities of Stand Your Ground laws in a visceral (and sometimes delightfully cringeworthy) depiction of Florida.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: Stand Your Ground by Patrick Vermillion
    “

    There is a lot tackled here with alternatingly devastating and sharply hilarious brushstrokes. Vermillion explores "bleeding heart liberal martyrdom," masculinity, violence, pride, the fear of losing ground from both sides of the political aisle, and more. Like Vermillion's other work, these characters manage to live simultaneously as interesting and plausible humans with unique wants and desires as well as representations of volatile socio-political conversations. I'd love to see this on its feet!

    There is a lot tackled here with alternatingly devastating and sharply hilarious brushstrokes. Vermillion explores "bleeding heart liberal martyrdom," masculinity, violence, pride, the fear of losing ground from both sides of the political aisle, and more. Like Vermillion's other work, these characters manage to live simultaneously as interesting and plausible humans with unique wants and desires as well as representations of volatile socio-political conversations. I'd love to see this on its feet!

    ”
View all 4 recommendations