THE CELLPHONES OF THE DEAD (ten-minute)

FIVE-MINUTE PLAY: THE CELLPHONES OF THE DEAD
A police officer’s somber monologue: He was at the scene of a mass shooting, and could literally hear the awful news start to spread -- as the cellphones of the victims started to ring with desperate messages from their frantic friends. This was inspired by the mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, where this macabre phenomenon played out. Cast:...
FIVE-MINUTE PLAY: THE CELLPHONES OF THE DEAD
A police officer’s somber monologue: He was at the scene of a mass shooting, and could literally hear the awful news start to spread -- as the cellphones of the victims started to ring with desperate messages from their frantic friends. This was inspired by the mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, where this macabre phenomenon played out. Cast: One speaker, with as many bodies as you muster. I've put in the number "10" in the form only because it required a number.
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THE CELLPHONES OF THE DEAD (ten-minute)

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    18 Feb. 2022
    You always hear about horrifying events on the news but you are able to keep a certain amount of distance but in this powerful piece Dwayne confronts his audience with death and what the officer sees. Its a piece that will not only be heard but experienced and because it is so well constructed I would wager it will have people talking about it as they walk away. I powerful piece for the central actor and expertly put together. The point this piece raises needs to be heard and seen.
  • Kenley Smith:
    30 May. 2018
    I was there for the first performance (actually, I was in it), just days after the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech. Based on actual circumstances, this short play retains its power and poignancy even a decade later. Highly recommended.
  • Jordan Elizabeth Henry:
    10 Apr. 2018
    I first encountered this play a month ago and was grateful to include it in a reading of gun reform plays I produced. I can only imagine the impact this heart-wrenching monologue play would have with a full production. A snapshot, one facet of the impact of gun violence. It has stayed with me since the moment I read it; it will stay with you, too.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    No Shame Theatre, Roanoke, Virginia
    ,
    2007