My Brother Jake

by Dave Osmundsen

Jake Barnsley is an Autistic theatre artist who has managed to have an “inspiring” career. Ethan, his higher-needs twin brother, has lived in his shadow their whole lives. When Jake's life and livelihood are at a crossroads, past resentments come to the surface, and Ethan makes an impassioned bid for agency.

Jake Barnsley is an Autistic theatre artist who has managed to have an “inspiring” career. Ethan, his higher-needs twin brother, has lived in his shadow their whole lives. When Jake's life and livelihood are at a crossroads, past resentments come to the surface, and Ethan makes an impassioned bid for agency.

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My Brother Jake

Recommended by

  • Asher Wyndham: My Brother Jake by Dave Osmundsen
    “

    There's a velocity and volatility to this two-hander on brotherhood that makes for a captivating read. Each character is complicated in their own way, both protagonist and antagonist. Who's directing who, who's the the star of the show, who's in control of the scene? It captures the theatricality in the relationship of many siblings that's relatable.

    There's a velocity and volatility to this two-hander on brotherhood that makes for a captivating read. Each character is complicated in their own way, both protagonist and antagonist. Who's directing who, who's the the star of the show, who's in control of the scene? It captures the theatricality in the relationship of many siblings that's relatable.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: My Brother Jake by Dave Osmundsen
    “

    A beautifully observed portrait of two brothers. I loved how Jake's crisis moment puts into sharp relief the complexities of the struggle between Ethan and Jake their entire lives. Both brothers are very sympathetic characters, neither of whom are "villains," but it is also so very clear how and why their needs/wants have chafed against the other's throughout their lives. I loved how the play wound back and forth in time, each scene providing new revelations even if it was a past moment.

    A beautifully observed portrait of two brothers. I loved how Jake's crisis moment puts into sharp relief the complexities of the struggle between Ethan and Jake their entire lives. Both brothers are very sympathetic characters, neither of whom are "villains," but it is also so very clear how and why their needs/wants have chafed against the other's throughout their lives. I loved how the play wound back and forth in time, each scene providing new revelations even if it was a past moment.

    ”
  • Paul Donnelly: My Brother Jake by Dave Osmundsen
    “

    This is a riveting exploration of the power and the limits of the love between brothers and the fine line between care and suffocation. Jake has always been the golden boy until his world implodes, and Ethan has always been seen and treated as less than. Ethan finally gets his chance to make his way in the world, however difficult that way may be. The dynamic between the brothers is explored with tenderness and empathy that make the heartbreaking moments all the more compelling.

    This is a riveting exploration of the power and the limits of the love between brothers and the fine line between care and suffocation. Jake has always been the golden boy until his world implodes, and Ethan has always been seen and treated as less than. Ethan finally gets his chance to make his way in the world, however difficult that way may be. The dynamic between the brothers is explored with tenderness and empathy that make the heartbreaking moments all the more compelling.

    ”
View all 12 recommendations
Ethan and Jake are fraternal twins, so they don't need to be identical. However, the actors should look similar enough to one another to pass as siblings.

Best practice would be to cast Autistic actors in these roles. Current ADA guidelines prohibit asking people to disclose a disability for hiring purposes. To work around this and prevent actors from uncomfortable situations, I recommend asking actors on the audition sheet, "What is your connection to Autism and/or neurodiversity?"

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