Ultion, or The Gathering

by Ashleigh Ann Gardner

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FULL LENGTH: A friend group lures a mutual acquaintance to an abandoned house in order to judge him for the crimes he's committed against the community. In a trial inspired by 14th century German vigilante courts, what begins as an orderly proceeding quickly spirals out of control as the defendant turns each council member against one another, using their bickering to his...

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FULL LENGTH: A friend group lures a mutual acquaintance to an abandoned house in order to judge him for the crimes he's committed against the community. In a trial inspired by 14th century German vigilante courts, what begins as an orderly proceeding quickly spirals out of control as the defendant turns each council member against one another, using their bickering to his advantage in order to escape. Accusations are hurled, secrets are revealed, and the life of the judged hangs in the balance. By the end of the night, one truth emerges: there is not one villain -- there are many. (Drama. 3W, 3M)

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Ultion, or The Gathering

Recommended by

  • Brynn Hambley: Ultion, or The Gathering by Ashleigh Ann Gardner
    “

    I was on the edge of my seat reading this play. A truly great psychological thriller-- not something you see for the stage very often! This work offers more than just tension and secrets revealed amidst a high-stakes scenario-- it also asks important questions about what makes a person good or bad, and who should exact punishment on those who have harmed a community. Would kill (lol) to see this on stage! For a more in depth review, go to "A Playwright's Journey" on SubStack!

    I was on the edge of my seat reading this play. A truly great psychological thriller-- not something you see for the stage very often! This work offers more than just tension and secrets revealed amidst a high-stakes scenario-- it also asks important questions about what makes a person good or bad, and who should exact punishment on those who have harmed a community. Would kill (lol) to see this on stage! For a more in depth review, go to "A Playwright's Journey" on SubStack!

    ”
  • Dan West: Ultion, or The Gathering by Ashleigh Ann Gardner
    “

    This play works on so many levels: as a philosophical treatise on the nature of justice (vs revenge), as a locked room mystery, as a commentary on "cancel culture", and - most importantly - and a compelling and entertaining work for the stage. Six people who are too smart for their own good gather in an abandoned house to put one of their number on trial for their "crimes against the community". But who is really on trial? Maybe all of us.

    This play works on so many levels: as a philosophical treatise on the nature of justice (vs revenge), as a locked room mystery, as a commentary on "cancel culture", and - most importantly - and a compelling and entertaining work for the stage. Six people who are too smart for their own good gather in an abandoned house to put one of their number on trial for their "crimes against the community". But who is really on trial? Maybe all of us.

    ”
  • Perse Grammer: Ultion, or The Gathering by Ashleigh Ann Gardner
    “

    What a thrill! The shocking twists and turns of this play never stop. Everyone is at each other's throats, and I can't look away. The continuous viciousness makes the quiet moments even more tender. An explosive debate about retribution.

    What a thrill! The shocking twists and turns of this play never stop. Everyone is at each other's throats, and I can't look away. The continuous viciousness makes the quiet moments even more tender. An explosive debate about retribution.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

These characters, with the exception of MIKE, are able to be played by actors of any ethnicity or physical ability, including performers who communicate with ASL. Revisions to the script may be made to sections containing blocking or references to movement to align blocking or references of movement with the actors’ physical abilities. In the case of a disabled performer playing any role, you must make accommodations. Consult with the performer to accommodate their needs; do not make decisions for them.
  • Beckett Pierce
    Male presenting, late 30s/40s. State attorney, running for District Attorney. JORDAN's best friend. Smug.
    30s/40s
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Jordan Belmont
    Male presenting, 40s. Professor of medieval studies at the same university at which KAI attends and MIKE teaches. QUINN's fiancé and BECKETT's best friend. Desperate.
    40s
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Kai Winstead
    Female presenting, late 20s/early 30s. PhD candidate at the local university. JORDAN's research assistant and PARKER's cousin. Earnest.
    20s
    Female,
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Quinn Keller
    Female presenting, mid 30s. Kindergarten teacher. JORDAN's fiancée. Focused.
    30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Parker Manning
    Female presenting, late 20s/early 30s. A burlesque performer. KAI's cousin. Authentic.
    late 20s/early 30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Michael Delaney Cole
    Male, 40s-60s white. A professor of philosophy at the same university at which KAI attends and JORDAN teaches. False.
    50s/60s
    White
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, New Generation Theatrical, 2025