BEAT

by Emily Russell

HOPWOOD AWARD FOR DRAMATIC WRITING at the University of Michigan, 2020

It's 2020 in middle America. BEAT meets at the confluence of life-giving and life-taking, following the interconnected stories of daughters, mothers, friends, and the ones in-between. As they strategize for a less gun-violent world, they become recipients of different forms of violences, enacted by strangers, spouses, and the state. What...

HOPWOOD AWARD FOR DRAMATIC WRITING at the University of Michigan, 2020

It's 2020 in middle America. BEAT meets at the confluence of life-giving and life-taking, following the interconnected stories of daughters, mothers, friends, and the ones in-between. As they strategize for a less gun-violent world, they become recipients of different forms of violences, enacted by strangers, spouses, and the state. What lives are protected under the guise of "the right to life?" or the right to guns? What does it mean to be the ones who survive? Trauma and its politicization is explored in this story of motherhood, sisterhoods, and survivors.

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BEAT

Recommended by

  • Matt Harmon: BEAT by Emily Russell
    “

    I have seen this play in many forms of development and have savored every bit of it. It is not only timely but timeless with its real-to-life characters and conversations about wealth, love, and sacrifice. The way Russell weaves scenes of collective trauma together results in a profound and heartbreaking quilt. Theaters, pay attention because Emily Russell is a new and bright name in drama.

    I have seen this play in many forms of development and have savored every bit of it. It is not only timely but timeless with its real-to-life characters and conversations about wealth, love, and sacrifice. The way Russell weaves scenes of collective trauma together results in a profound and heartbreaking quilt. Theaters, pay attention because Emily Russell is a new and bright name in drama.

    ”

Character Information

DOCTOR will also play the role of GUEST. NEIGHBOR also plays the role of COP.
  • Marta
    A mother, wife, and grocer. She should look aged by the world's work. She is brave but tired.
    49
    Any
    woman,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Marta's Husband
    A husband, father, and police officer. He should look aged and tired, but physically strong and overpowering.
    49
    White
    Man,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Pennie
    A wife, high-school teacher, and aspiring mother. She appears extremely caring and warm. She is also desirous and strong-willed.
    34
    African American
    woman,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Pennie's Husband
    A husband, activist, and aspiring father. He is romantic, affectionate, and passionate. He should appear loving and warm.
    36
    African American
    Man,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Doctor / Protestor / Guest
    Uses she/her pronouns
    20s-40s
    Any
    Any woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Neighbor / Cop
    Should be someone who seems tough, rude, and controlling.
    30s-40s
    White
    Man,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Amelia
    A high schooler, daughter of a diplomat. She is scholastic, independent, and mature. She is young-looking for her age.
    16
    Any
    woman,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Delilah
    A high schooler, daughter of working class parents. She is Amelia’s neighbor and best friend. She should look young for her age, but athletic.
    16
    Any
    woman,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, 2020
  • Reading, University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre and Dance, 2020

Production History

  • University, PLAYFEST, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance (COVID cancellation), 2020

Awards

  • Roy W. Cowden Memorial Fellowship
    Hopwood Awards
    Winner
    2019