A Shock of Wheat

by Val Dunn

Harper and Charlie create elaborate rituals to explore the darkest parts of their friendship. Even hidden within their small town's wheat fields, these teenage girls live and die by the rule that it isn't gay if their lips don't touch. They make games of praying mantis sex and intimate violence. They dance with the dangers of the unsaid. When one witching hour’s ritual goes too far, Harper and Charlie must...

Harper and Charlie create elaborate rituals to explore the darkest parts of their friendship. Even hidden within their small town's wheat fields, these teenage girls live and die by the rule that it isn't gay if their lips don't touch. They make games of praying mantis sex and intimate violence. They dance with the dangers of the unsaid. When one witching hour’s ritual goes too far, Harper and Charlie must confront what’s revealed as their wheat field haven burns to the ground.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

A Shock of Wheat

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: A Shock of Wheat

    A play with pure poetry for actors to feast on. Endless possibilities for set and lighting designers.

    A play with pure poetry for actors to feast on. Endless possibilities for set and lighting designers.

Character Information

If you have the opportunity to cast lesbian and/or queer actors, that would be ideal.
  • Harper
    girl, woman, child in love with her best friend
    Character Age
    16
  • Charlie
    girl, woman, child afraid to love her best friend
    Character Age
    16

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Philly Plays @ the Drake, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization Writers on the Rocks, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Foundry (a Philadelphia Playwrights Lab), Year 2015