The Marsh

by Anita Parrott

In a Texas coastal marsh, a group of humanity-hopefuls band together to prove that utopia is possible. They aim to live off their land for 90 days with no access to the outside world, inspiring greater change across the country. But when a looming threat arrives, along with a reluctant newcomer, The People of this marsh mesocosm must find a way to make it to the final day with their community still intact.

In a Texas coastal marsh, a group of humanity-hopefuls band together to prove that utopia is possible. They aim to live off their land for 90 days with no access to the outside world, inspiring greater change across the country. But when a looming threat arrives, along with a reluctant newcomer, The People of this marsh mesocosm must find a way to make it to the final day with their community still intact.

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The Marsh

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Marsh by Anita Parrott
    “

    It was refreshing to read this play on Juneteenth. Refreshing because it's play about Black people that's not about their oppression and their bodies are not under constant threat. This is a play about Black joy and Black utopia. The world-building in this play is phenomenal and I love how well-written each character is and how meticulously their place in this community is crafted. Every member of this cast (shout out to ensemble casts!!) is a distincly complex human and the way they relate together is so compelling.

    It was refreshing to read this play on Juneteenth. Refreshing because it's play about Black people that's not about their oppression and their bodies are not under constant threat. This is a play about Black joy and Black utopia. The world-building in this play is phenomenal and I love how well-written each character is and how meticulously their place in this community is crafted. Every member of this cast (shout out to ensemble casts!!) is a distincly complex human and the way they relate together is so compelling.

    ”

Character Information

  • Gabrielle
    The Leader of the Mesocosm. Unflinchingly, unbelievably cool. Gravity inspiringly cool.
    30s
    African American/Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Tommy
    From here. Strives to be a good person. Studied Environmental architecture. Kelso’s Best Friend.
    25
    African American/Black
    Male or genderqueer
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Kelso
    From here. Accountant after college, maybe a bit unhappy, Tommy’s Best Friend.
    25
    African American/Black
    Male or gender non-conforming
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Avery
    Fauna expert, checks in on the biome of the collective, southern dialect.
    22
    Female or non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • jadyn
    laid back, talks slow, never misses a moment to appreciate something.
    36
    African American/Black
    Female or non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Luca
    Ex-military, entertainer, great cook, medic, and all-around guy.
    28
    Male or male-presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Mama Maude
    Gabrielle’s drag mother, if drag was revolutionary thinking.
    45+
    African American/Black,
    Indigenous/Native American/First Nations
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • The Threat
    The threat is a real, living, breathing presence in this piece, whether it is a bomb with a timer ticking down (or up), or a person holding handguns that they point at characters as they pass by. The Threat is not to be addressed, looked at, or acknowledged unless clearly indicated. If an actor portrays The Threat, The Threat must be a white (passing) man.
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man