Talkback

by Liz Duffy Adams

A satirical essay in the form of a short play about developmental talkbacks, featuring an unproduceably large cast, a twist or two, and verbatim dialogue from actual talkbacks about various plays.

A satirical essay in the form of a short play about developmental talkbacks, featuring an unproduceably large cast, a twist or two, and verbatim dialogue from actual talkbacks about various plays.

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Talkback

Recommended by

  • Brenton Kniess: Talkback by Liz Duffy Adams
    “

    What. A. Gem! This short satire about the woes of a talkback is so fun, relatable, and full of wonderful commentary of how audiences view a new work. Liz Duffy Adams has a remarkable sense of comedic timing and layers the dialogue in a swift and meaningful manner. I SO want to see this staged. Better yet, can I play Bill?

    What. A. Gem! This short satire about the woes of a talkback is so fun, relatable, and full of wonderful commentary of how audiences view a new work. Liz Duffy Adams has a remarkable sense of comedic timing and layers the dialogue in a swift and meaningful manner. I SO want to see this staged. Better yet, can I play Bill?

    ”
  • Morey Norkin: Talkback by Liz Duffy Adams
    “

    This take on the talkback session following a new play reading is so clever and frighteningly accurate. The way the initial criticism opens the floodgates for the others to pile on is handled perfectly as is the ending. Nothing to criticize here.

    This take on the talkback session following a new play reading is so clever and frighteningly accurate. The way the initial criticism opens the floodgates for the others to pile on is handled perfectly as is the ending. Nothing to criticize here.

    ”
  • Paul Donnelly: Talkback by Liz Duffy Adams
    “

    A brilliant take-down of the circle of developmental hell known as the talkback. As it dawns what play is being discussed the satire of pompous responders soars. Every word rang horrifyingly true and the playwright's final resolution was deeply satisfying.

    A brilliant take-down of the circle of developmental hell known as the talkback. As it dawns what play is being discussed the satire of pompous responders soars. Every word rang horrifyingly true and the playwright's final resolution was deeply satisfying.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations
The cast list is flexible. There are 23 speaking parts: Moderator, Bill, Trevor, Heather, and 19 Talkbackers, plus an ensemble of "audience" that could be anywhere from at least 6 (the ones who noisily flee, embedded in the actual audience) to dozens. The Talkbackers can be doubled at will, cutting them at least in half.