and for your last breath? by Emily Russell

two 20-somethings sharing an apartment in Berkeley wake up the morning of September 9, 2020 to a red-orange sky. they find themselves caught in a double-bind: with wildfires outside pushing them to evacuate, and COVID forcing them to stay in, the two contemplate what it means to face the absurd, apocalyptic world together, when the simple act of breathing has become a fraught task.
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and for your last breath?

Recommended by

  • Emily M. Shaffer:
    3 Jan. 2023
    “ "and for your last breath?' is a play about more than just the pandemic and wildfires. It is about a relationship between two roommates. About how the possibility of future death makes relationships a bit more intimate. About how the breath we share is precious. It is a play I'd recommend to anyone looking for a serious, yet feel-good play about the depths of friendship or a relationship. ”
  • David Lipschutz:
    10 Mar. 2022
    “ AND FOR YOUR LAST BREATH is an emotionally potent play. Beautiful and heartfelt and intense. I had the chance to catch this one performed with Left Edge Theatre. Great work to Emily Russell! ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend:
    14 Jan. 2022
    “ The feeling of being trapped is palpable in this short. The California wildfires are coming, but COVID is raging, so where is safe? When nowhere is safe, you might as well stay where you are and focus on the small things you're capable of doing to make it all more bearable. One line that stuck with me was, "Anything for more life." What a great short, tackling so many things in such a small span of time - how like a human life. ”
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Character Information

There are no specific casting requirements. Names and character identities are intentionally neutral, and can be played by cast members of any race or gender.

  • JAE
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • CARO
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Dragon Productions Theatre Company
    ,
    2021

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Left Edge Theatre
    ,
    2022
  • University
    ,
    University of California Irvine
    ,
    2021