Joey (Full Version) by Joe Swenson

(Full Length - 90-120 minutes)

True Story - This is the story of my abduction at 5 years old on October 3rd, 1979 in Bremerton Washington. My sister and I were abducted by my sister's biological father and his brother. We were taken from Washington State to Garden City, Kansas. My experience was vastly different than my sister's experience, which is why there are only minor references...
(Full Length - 90-120 minutes)

True Story - This is the story of my abduction at 5 years old on October 3rd, 1979 in Bremerton Washington. My sister and I were abducted by my sister's biological father and his brother. We were taken from Washington State to Garden City, Kansas. My experience was vastly different than my sister's experience, which is why there are only minor references to her throughout the show. This is my story.

Warning: Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Child Abuse

Production Note: All abuse should happen where the audience can only see through the slats of the closet doors.

Production Note: There are many optional endings, including an epilogue, and an additional motivational/inspirational speech by the playwright. In addition, for any Q&A situations, Joe Swenson will make himself available.
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Joey (Full Version)

Recommended by

  • Scott Sickles:
    30 Mar. 2022
    “ “If you get a story out of it, you win.”
    That a personal credo of mine.

    Joe Swenson has won a sweepstakes!

    Recounting his seven-year abduction between the ages of 5 and 12, this highly theatricalized memoir is gripping, terrifying, complex, and heartbreaking. It's a journey of strength and miraculous forgiveness.

    Most scenes are between Joey and his Imaginary Friend, a familiar trope used uniquely and brilliantly. Neither conjured nor omniscient, it's our window into this hell, blindsided and powerless as we are.

    The scenes are succinct and complex as life itself.

    It's an essential masterwork. ”
  • Christopher Soucy:
    26 Mar. 2022
    “ Breathtaking. A tragedy that harkens to every child you see. Safety is not guaranteed to any of them. Normalcy is not promised. Whenever I forget the necessity of theater, a piece like this one comes ringing the alarm. We must pay attention. We must know the darkness, recognize the shadows. Kudos to Swenson for not only facing his demon, but capturing it for us all to bear witness. ”
  • Morey Norkin:
    26 Mar. 2022
    “ Others have used the word “heartbreaking” to describe this play, and it certainly is. It’s one thing to read/see a play about a character that is subjected to this level of abuse and be moved but quite another experience to know that “Joey” is the true story of the playwright, Joe Swenson. I can’t even begin to imagine the strength to survive such an ordeal let alone share it in such a coherent, moving drama. Please read this. ”
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Character Information

The role of Joey can be played by multiple child actors or one. However, the role must be played by someone who is older and looks younger and has the maturity to handle the subject matter.

  • Joey
    Ages 5-12 - See casting notes for additional requirements. Joey should be shy, subservient, innocent, to start and remain that way even as he ages through the scenes. He starts to gain more confidence, but not the level anyone would expect due to the constant cadence of abuse. It's not until he's 11 that you truly get the defiance you'd expect to have come earlier. Cast Joey older and let him age through the scenes.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Imaginary Friend
    Adult - At times this character calls themselves a time-traveler and storyteller. Ultimately the Imaginary Friend is a device that allows Joey to tell his story, but also at times the Imaginary Friend is a narrator, offering scene ending epilogues as the show goes on. There is a small arc that the Imaginary Friend goes on until it is revealed that they are the playwright's eyes into his memories. The Imaginary Friend can be played by any adult.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Willis
    Age - Mid 20s to Mid 30s is his age range. Can be played by a male or male identifying actor that looks mean. Willis in real life was 6'3" with long hair, rarely any facial hair, pot marks all over his face. The actor playing Willis should be versatile and intense on all emotional levels.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Goose
    Early 20s - Male identifying character. He is only in the opening scene (see casting notes on options for this character). Willis brother. He's called Goose because of his blond hair.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male