The After by Erin Osgood

NEW DRAFT 9/1/21 (Full-length). A love story set 30 years in the future, The After is a very exciting, relevant, edge of your seat thrill ride. In a world with walls, government control of everyday life, and continued racism, Amira searches for the truth about her parents’ death at the same time trying to survive the new reality in America. Because of her parents’ alleged crimes as members of the Oppo, Amira...
NEW DRAFT 9/1/21 (Full-length). A love story set 30 years in the future, The After is a very exciting, relevant, edge of your seat thrill ride. In a world with walls, government control of everyday life, and continued racism, Amira searches for the truth about her parents’ death at the same time trying to survive the new reality in America. Because of her parents’ alleged crimes as members of the Oppo, Amira finds herself the target of the Sector Police’s investigations every time an attack against the government occurs. She tries to keep her head down with the help of her adopted family - other survivors who have no other loved ones. Amira meets a new SP, Officer Mitchell, who surprises her with his genuine interest in helping others. Mitchell is able to break through Amira’s defenses and earns her trust. He passes on information that highlights the truth about her parents. At the same time, a deeper connection is made that neither Amira nor Mitchell can avoid. Amira is surrounded by secrets and lies from her adopted family that continue to be revealed throughout the course of the play. Each secret is devastating and very well may bring an end to life as she knows it.
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The After

Recommended by

  • Sam Baird:
    4 May. 2021
    “ I was so pulled into the story I read the entire script in just over a half-hour. I had to know what was going to happen next. The twists and turns were not even close to predictable. I loved it! This script is so relevant right now. The end of the play creates a great opportunity for further discussion of the topics after the end of the script. The best plays are the ones that start the conversations, not end them. This is definitely a conversation-starting script. ”
  • Beth Blickers:
    7 Mar. 2021
    “ I read this for #BAPF2021 and the playwright is absolutely correct in saying it's an edge of your seat thrill ride. It starts with a bang and twists and turns and reveals secrets right to the end. It's absolutely relevant to the moment we're living in but through a futuristic lens that makes it a great choice for theaters looking to engage with societal ills with some distance. It ultimately asks a big question about whether this is the future of the US and on which side of the equation we'll find ourselves. ”

Character Information

  • Amira (Amie)
    30-40,
    Egyptian American/MENA
    ,
    woman
    The safety of her family is most important to her. Comes across as cold and apathetic but it really is a coping mechanism from her past losses.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Zak (Zakariyya)
    30-40,
    Middle Eastern
    ,
    Man
    Very protective of AMIRA. Full of secrets, including his love of AMIRA.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Mitchell
    30-40,
    White
    ,
    Man
    Sector Police. Truly wants to help the public. Enamored with AMIRA.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ben
    20s-30s,
    African American
    ,
    Man
    Sees good in all people. Uses humor to diffuse situations. Has a secret of his own.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Millie
    20s-30s,
    White
    ,
    woman
    Bubbly, naive. Love of knowledge and books.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Peck
    40-60,
    White
    ,
    Man
    Sector Police. Gruff, narcissistic, superiority complex.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Wild Imaginings' EPHIPHANIES New Work Festival
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    Quarantine Players Guild
    ,
    2020

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
The Depot
,
2022
Semi-Finalist
,
Epiphanies New Works Festival
,
Wild Imaginings
,
2021
Semi-Finalist
,
Garry Marshall Theatre's New Works Festival
,
Garry Marshall Theatre
,
2021
Quarterfinalist
,
ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest
,
2020