The Speedy Gonzales Memorial Turtle Sanctuary

by Amber Palmer

When Diana comes home from the trial, she expects to find her partner Carmen in a heightened state. What she doesn't expect, however, is to find that she's made their backyard into a sanctuary for stray turtles. This play explores the extremes we will go to in order to cope and the understanding necessary for us to be there for the ones we love.

When Diana comes home from the trial, she expects to find her partner Carmen in a heightened state. What she doesn't expect, however, is to find that she's made their backyard into a sanctuary for stray turtles. This play explores the extremes we will go to in order to cope and the understanding necessary for us to be there for the ones we love.

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The Speedy Gonzales Memorial Turtle Sanctuary

Recommended by

  • Asher Wyndham: The Speedy Gonzales Memorial Turtle Sanctuary

    A touching play on the mourning process.
    A wacky premise that's surprisingly poignant and uplifting, hopeful.
    An emotionally rich piece that two female actors would love to tackle.
    A smart choice for any theatre festival on themes of mourning and death.

    A touching play on the mourning process.
    A wacky premise that's surprisingly poignant and uplifting, hopeful.
    An emotionally rich piece that two female actors would love to tackle.
    A smart choice for any theatre festival on themes of mourning and death.

  • Blake Wallin: The Speedy Gonzales Memorial Turtle Sanctuary

    The way the characters wind around the dueling subject matter of absurdity and tragedy provides good roles for the two women, and a leaping catharsis for the audience. Relatable, funny, sharp, and ultimately haunting, this couple’s argument builds and builds and then drops like a feather, a feather easily caught but not yet understood, like hope.

    The way the characters wind around the dueling subject matter of absurdity and tragedy provides good roles for the two women, and a leaping catharsis for the audience. Relatable, funny, sharp, and ultimately haunting, this couple’s argument builds and builds and then drops like a feather, a feather easily caught but not yet understood, like hope.

Character Information

  • Carmen
    Walks with a limp. Director should cast with diversity in mind.
    Character Age
    Mid 20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Diana
    Director should cast with diversity in mind.
    Character Age
    Mid 20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization City Theatre She Shorts Sneak Peek, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Region 3, Year 2018

Production History

Awards

  • City Theatre National Award for Short Playwriting
    City Theatre
    Finalist
    2019
  • Gary Garrison Ten Minute Play Regional Finalist
    Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Region 3
    Finalist
    2018