Pooka
Recommended by
- Cheryl Bear:21 Jul. 2021“ A powerful story about bullying, trauma and finding one's way through it to, hopefully, a better outcome. Well done. ”
- Nick Malakhow:14 Mar. 2021“ A boldly theatrical play that tackles adolescent identity formation, bullying, and family trauma and violence with a wildly dark comedic bent. Martin and Daphne's chemistry and quirky relationship feels specific and human and contrasts nicely with the larger external forces tormenting the both of them. The Pooka serves as an excellent extended metaphor for all the rage and anger and helplessness it is so easy to feel when encountering trauma as a young person and feeling completely out of control of your own destiny and unable to change the things that impact you. Creative, theatrical, and startling! ”
- Charlotte Stowe:5 Jan. 2021“ I read this play in 2018 when I was a reader for a new play festival and it has stayed with me ever since. James McLindon captures the magic and wonder of an early Speilberg movie, like ET or Gremlins, and brings it to the stage. Pooka is a wonderful narrative about revenge, love, and standing up to bullies that will delight and thrill those young and old. I so hope to be able to see this play staged in the upcoming future. ”
Character Information
- PookaAn ancient mythical creature,,AnyAny genderPooka is an ancient shape- and gender- shifting mythical creature. He is hard and calculating. He knows what he wants and he's not your friend. He speaks with a hard Irish accent.
- Officer20s to 50s,,AnyAny genderA beat cop, smart and trying her best given the limits of the law and the ingenuity of men like Davis.
- Martin12,,AnyMaleSmart, but small, in a world in which both characteristics are dangerous, Martin is nondescript prey, just trying to survive another day of middle school. He should be played by an adult, not a child.
- Evielate 20s-early 30s,,AnyFemaleA still young single mother, but with mounting mileage, she's making here way and taking care of her son as best she can in a hard world.
- Davis30s (a few years older than Evie),,WhiteMaleFor the most part, his tone is often understated and pleasant, even sweet. For the most part. But he’s the kind of man whose smile can be more dangerous than his glare.
- Daphne12,,AnyFemaleA very bright middle-school student, Daphne may be attractive someday, but not today. She looks forward to college and leaving the hell of middle school behind. She should be played by an adult, not a child.
- Chloe14,,AnyFemaleStylish and mean, a middle school bully, she can be played by a 14ish-year-old or an adult.
- Avery14,,AnyMaleAvery is Chloe's stooge, not very bright. He's a bully, but might not be free of Chloe's influence. He's probably middle school attractive for a boy. He can be played by a 14ish-year-old or an adult.
Development History
- ,Workshop,The Blockheads2016
- ,Reading,Lark Play Development Center2015
- ,Reading,New Repertory Theatre2015
- ,Reading,Sanctuary Playwrights2015
- ,Reading,Dramatists Guild Fellows at Playwrights Horizon2014
- ,Residency,Dramtists Guild Fellowship2014
- ,Residency,CAP212014
Awards
Semi-Finalist
Workshop
Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
2015