Eyes Shut. Door Open. by Cassie M. Seinuk

Inkwell Finalist, Nominated for Best New Play at the ArtImpulse Awards 2015

FULL LENGTH - Turner Street’s bold paintings are the hottest thing to hit the SoHo art scene – they’ve even captured the attention of the elusive Johanna. But when his one-eyed, pill-popping, younger brother Palmer appears, Turner must face the disturbing truth of his success, the dark family secrets shut behind doors,...
Inkwell Finalist, Nominated for Best New Play at the ArtImpulse Awards 2015

FULL LENGTH - Turner Street’s bold paintings are the hottest thing to hit the SoHo art scene – they’ve even captured the attention of the elusive Johanna. But when his one-eyed, pill-popping, younger brother Palmer appears, Turner must face the disturbing truth of his success, the dark family secrets shut behind doors, and risk losing everything.
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Eyes Shut. Door Open.

Recommended by

  • Tyler Joseph Rossi:
    19 Mar. 2020
    “ I love when stories get an update. I'm a sucker for mythology/theological plays. I'm so glad I could experience Eyes Shut. Door Open. - it was right up my alley. It's lyricism has a nightmare-ish hypnotism about it that keeps you enthralled to the end. Definitely worth the read. ”
  • Ian Thal:
    14 Aug. 2015
    “ Seinuk knows her mythology, and drawing upon not just Genesis but also Greek and Norse mythology. Her allusions to and repetitions of mythological violence elevates Eyes Shut. Door Open. above the popular plot formula of dark domestic secrets revealed at a family reunion.

    I reviewed the 2015 production by Wax Wings Productions for The Arts Fuse. The full review can be read here:

    http://artsfuse.org/132576/fuse-theater-review-eyes-shut-door-open-cain-and-abel-south-of-houston-street/ ”
  • Lisa Kenner Grissom:
    7 May. 2015
    “ In this updated Cain and Abel story, Cassie tempts us with characters who possess competing motivations and secrets that live just below the surface. Cassie leads us in and out of the past with a haunting lyricism that ignites our interest in following these troubled brothers on their tragic journey. ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Turner Street
    30s,
    Probably White
    ,
    Male
    ruggedly handsome artist trapped by his guilt, the secrets he carries, and plagued with a short temper. He struggles with alcoholism, egotism, and lack of sleep.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Palmer Street
    21,
    Probably White
    ,
    Male
    Turner's younger brother, witty, charming, pained, exceedingly handsome, pretty almost, except for his mutilated left eye, which he hides under a medical pirate's patch. He is an addict.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Johanna
    20's-30's,
    non Caucasian
    ,
    Female
    A writer in search of a muse, sultry, and off beat, with a secret of her own.

    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Age: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Wax Wings Productions
    ,
    2015
  • Workshop
    ,
    Interim Writers
    ,
    2014
  • Workshop
    ,
    Argos Productions
    ,
    2014
  • Reading
    ,
    Wax Wings Productions
    ,
    2013

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Wax Wings Productions
    ,
    2015