Ashes, Indiana

by Neil Radtke

(One Act) In a town still scarred by the fire that gave it its name, folklore lingers in the glow of an old lantern. Told through five haunting vignettes, Ashes, Indiana follows the Verger’s watch as superstition seeps into everyday lives and four women become bound to the ash’s relentless memory.

(One Act) In a town still scarred by the fire that gave it its name, folklore lingers in the glow of an old lantern. Told through five haunting vignettes, Ashes, Indiana follows the Verger’s watch as superstition seeps into everyday lives and four women become bound to the ash’s relentless memory.

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Ashes, Indiana

Recommended by

  • Maximillian Gill: Ashes, Indiana by Neil Radtke
    “

    A marvelous and tight piece that builds up dread slowly and never lets up. I love the anthology quality, as if we're sitting around a campfire hearing variants of the same legend. The alternate ending conceit is a true coup de theatre, and I would be very curious to see how an audience locked in slowly under this play's spell ends up reacting.

    A marvelous and tight piece that builds up dread slowly and never lets up. I love the anthology quality, as if we're sitting around a campfire hearing variants of the same legend. The alternate ending conceit is a true coup de theatre, and I would be very curious to see how an audience locked in slowly under this play's spell ends up reacting.

    ”
  • Caden Barley: Ashes, Indiana by Neil Radtke
    “

    Chilling and gripping, "Ashes, Indiana" carries all the weight of a decades-old folktale, constructed for a modern audience. With haunting language and a characters that feel too real for comfort, Radtke has crafted a play that'll chill spines for years to come. I yearn for more pieces like this!

    Chilling and gripping, "Ashes, Indiana" carries all the weight of a decades-old folktale, constructed for a modern audience. With haunting language and a characters that feel too real for comfort, Radtke has crafted a play that'll chill spines for years to come. I yearn for more pieces like this!

    ”
  • Julie Grixlen: Ashes, Indiana by Neil Radtke
    “

    An excellent tale that conjures up the same praise worthy of Gothic literature. Neil Radtke's use of vignettes adds to the complexity of the piece and keeps the audience intrigued. Ashes, Indiana is well worth the read. How marvelous to have a new ghost story!

    An excellent tale that conjures up the same praise worthy of Gothic literature. Neil Radtke's use of vignettes adds to the complexity of the piece and keeps the audience intrigued. Ashes, Indiana is well worth the read. How marvelous to have a new ghost story!

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Cast size may range from 7–14 performers, depending on doubling.
Gender may be adjusted for casting needs, but the curse must center on women being chosen.
  • Verger
    Keeper of the lantern and narrator of the town’s curse. Also appears in disguise as the Vendor, Mill Watchman, and Transit Worker.
    40s-70s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Woman
  • Jake
    Young man, playful and sarcastic.
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Maddie
    Sharp-witted, with one arm in a sling.
    20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ty
    Middle-schooler, defensive, eager to prove bravery.
    13-14
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Casey
    Middle-schooler, nervous and hesitant.
    13-14
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Emma
    Middle-schooler, skeptical, nervous laughter.
    13-14
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Katelyn
    Middle-schooler, daring instigator of the game.
    13-14
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Mom
    Exhausted but loving young mother.
    late 20s-30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Passenger
    Stranger at the bus stop, ordinary, passing through.
    Any Age
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Man
  • Brooke
    High schooler, sarcastic and skeptical.
    16-18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Hannah
    High schooler, cautious, easily spooked.
    16-18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Olivia
    High schooler, bold, determined to follow tradition.
    16-18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman