Nexus by Danielle Mohlman

Metaphorically set in the Museum of Broken Relationships, this chamber drama follows two iPhone-armed DC transplants as they drift between intimacy and disconnect. The play opens with W and M – strangers – waiting for a bus. Their eyes wander and W is quick to mention that she has a boyfriend. But they’re on a break. Because he doesn’t want to call it a “relationship” anymore. M asks for her phone, offering his...
Metaphorically set in the Museum of Broken Relationships, this chamber drama follows two iPhone-armed DC transplants as they drift between intimacy and disconnect. The play opens with W and M – strangers – waiting for a bus. Their eyes wander and W is quick to mention that she has a boyfriend. But they’re on a break. Because he doesn’t want to call it a “relationship” anymore. M asks for her phone, offering his much newer model as collateral. He enters his number and what follows are the moments that would be on display if they were living exhibits in the Museum of Broken Relationships.
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Nexus

Recommended by

  • Jack Levine:
    29 Oct. 2020
    “ DANIELLE MOHLMAN takes us into a very interesting “relationship” in her play, “Nexus”. Two people - M and W - personify what a relationship can be - friends, lovers, acquaintances, strangers - and yet, we sometimes want the bond to be stronger and then something can make things seem all wrong. I found this play to be intriguing in the way so many moods were perfectly mixed into a relationship of wants, needs, and sort of in-between. Fascinating and fun. ”
  • Alex Burkart:
    4 Feb. 2019
    “ A play that feels sometimes like a mirror. So many things are said and done that reflect our own past relationships: this ultimately makes you as an audience feel vulnerable, frustrated, yet not alone all at the same time. Mohlman writes with wonderful honesty that so beautifully (and simply) captures humanity, and its quest for whatever this thing is that we call "love." ”
  • Catherine Weingarten:
    25 Sep. 2017
    “ A lovely, sweet and explosive little play! Danielle beautifully moves us through every stage of a relationship with keen insight and nuance. The play is so fricking produceable and cheap yet also a directors dream- so much room for interpretation and play. Danielle is an exciting and new voice to watch out for! ”

Character Information

  • W
    mid- to late-20s,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • M
    mid- to late-20s,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Arena Stage
    ,
    2014

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Nexus at Home
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    Dreamwell Theatre
    ,
    2018
  • High School
    ,
    George Mason High School
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    Hubbard Hall
    ,
    2015

Awards

Honorable Mention
,
The List
,
The Kilroys
,
2015
Finalist
,
Larry Neal Writers' Award for Dramatic Writing
,
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
,
2014