The Final Word by George Sapio

FULL-LENGTH POLITICAL DRAMA (46pp) Lizzie Featherstone, in the interests of education and social awareness, publishes an essay from a distinguished alumna. Political forces immediately try to discredit her, but she will not back down. The issue becomes a legal battle that serves as an allegory for the record of SCOTUS free speech cases in the 20th century.
It's very likely that you may not know...
FULL-LENGTH POLITICAL DRAMA (46pp) Lizzie Featherstone, in the interests of education and social awareness, publishes an essay from a distinguished alumna. Political forces immediately try to discredit her, but she will not back down. The issue becomes a legal battle that serves as an allegory for the record of SCOTUS free speech cases in the 20th century.
It's very likely that you may not know nearly enough about free speech in America.
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The Final Word

Recommended by

  • Ross Tedford Kendall:
    10 Mar. 2022
    “ "It’s not about what’s right and wrong; it’s about who gets to decide what’s right and wrong." This powerful and chilling line is at the heart of the play, and represents the dynamics at work.

    I'm particularly taken with the presentation, deftly moving through time and with the help of Virgil, presenting an exciting theatrical experience. I would love to see this on stage. ”
  • Emily Hageman:
    8 Dec. 2018
    “ A really remarkable play about what's true, what isn't, and how we suddenly have the power to decide this. The end of this piece is particularly powerful. Sapio writes scathingly and without flinching and the result is something painfully human, but somehow remarkably detached. Is this really where we are as a society? Sapio answers "yes" succinctly, and then reminds us how we have the power to change it. ”
  • Dave Osmundsen:
    20 Feb. 2018
    “ An intelligent, articulate, and nuanced examination of free speech on a college campus. Narrated by a sly and sardonic Virgil, the play tells the story of an essay that threatens to cause controversy. With minimal set and lighting requirements, the play is perfect for theaters on a budget looking to produce a play with a larger cast. ”

Virgil - Roman poet, cranky tourguide
Dwayne Munson - President of Greater Athens University
Joshua Sanford - member of board of trustees
Lizzie Featherstone - editor Greater Athens University alumni magazine
Marcia Dane - VP of Marketing/Alumni Development
Dawson - Lizzie’s spouse
Olivia Holmes - attorney for Greater Athens University
Joanna Gitlow - attorney for Lizzie Featherstone, ACLU
John Clark - attorney for Greater Athens University
Brandy Lewis - attorney for Molly Schenck
Molly Schenk - Greater Athens University Distinguished Scholar
(In cases where casting proves difficult, some roles may be cast as another gender. Please contact playwright with any proposed changes.)

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Bad Dog Productions
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Gallery Players, Brooklyn, NYC
    ,
    2018
  • Workshop
    ,
    Bad Dog Productions
    ,
    2017