Asphodels

Gwen and Toby are happily married and after several miscarriages, are finally expecting their "rainbow baby". When Gwen’s twin brother moves in after a nasty divorce, a chain of events lead to tragedy and a new understanding of the secrets we keep from our loved ones.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Asphodels

Recommended by

  • Ricardo Soltero-Brown:
    27 Nov. 2023
    The dialogue is natural and embraces us in its rhythm from the start. Alaniz wastes no time, so much that the dominoes are set up before we even know it, even with the wisely suggestive yet amenable stage directions. The characters Gwen, Gabriel and Toby all vibrate off the page and the dynamic between them is always clear but intriguing. There are delicate exchanges regarding the trauma of growing up, child rearing, and romantic partnership, even empathy; all with the thematic threadings of song and flowers. The tension builds from a cigarette up to the exorcism of a haunted house.

Character Information

  • Gwen Fontaine-Blau
    30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Absentminded and motherly. Loves her brother, her husband, and her plants. Wants nothing more than to start a family.
  • Gabriel Fontaine
    30's,
    Any
    ,
    Male (could be played by a non binary actor)
    Gwen’s twin brother. A bit of a human tornado/dumpster fire. Going through a nasty divorce.
  • Toby Blau
    30's-40's,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Gwen’s husband. A little “doomy and gloomy” but not unkind. Probably goth. Shy. Loves his wife and his art and only his wife and his art.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Mad Cow Theatre
    ,
    2021