The Forgetting Room by Claudia Haas

In the aftermath of a school shooting, three teenagers are brought to the Forgetting Room so they can rest in peace. Part of the #Gun Control Now Protest Plays Project.
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The Forgetting Room

Recommended by

  • Everett Robert:
    11 May. 2018
    “ I was not prepared for the emotional gut punch this play is. A brilliant use of the pace and timing, of naturalistic dialog and the supernatural, of what is seen and heard and what ISN'T seen and what ISN'T heard. This is a deep, religious, reflection on death in general, and what caused these characters deaths. This is a play that should be seen and performed at every play festival about gun control. ”
  • Jordan Elizabeth Henry:
    9 Apr. 2018
    “ Gut-wrenching and hard, this short play has a huge impact. Haas's pace is perfect, guiding us through this intense moment in time. ”
  • Lindsay Partain:
    8 Apr. 2018
    “ A roller-coaster of a play that takes you through all of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The echo of the PRAYER in the background haunts you as you watch these 3 funny, ambitious children figure out what the next step is. Haas puts you right there in the Forgetting Room with her characters; the only difference is that when you walk out you won't be able to forget them. ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

CAST: 5 (2 female, 1 male, 2 male or female)

  • Prayer
    teens-adults; ageless,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    a prayer, away from the action – could be on a stool away from the room; could also be an offstage voice. No characters see or hear Prayer.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Mariah
    17,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A new arrival to the "Forgetting Room."
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Mackenzie
    teens-70's; ageless,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A crisis counselor
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Jackson
    17,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A new arrival to the "Forgetting Room."
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Corona
    18,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A new arrival to the "Forgetting Room."
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    L.A. Loft
    ,
    2018