The Volunteer

by Cassandra Rose

In March 1981, Roger Fisher published an article detailing a new, more personal form of nuclear deterrence: The nuclear launch codes would be surgically placed behind a volunteer's beating heart. The President would have to kill one person before killing millions. With the help of one driven woman, Fisher's thought experiment becomes a modern reality. Winner of Stage Left Theatre's Downstage Left Residency. A...

In March 1981, Roger Fisher published an article detailing a new, more personal form of nuclear deterrence: The nuclear launch codes would be surgically placed behind a volunteer's beating heart. The President would have to kill one person before killing millions. With the help of one driven woman, Fisher's thought experiment becomes a modern reality. Winner of Stage Left Theatre's Downstage Left Residency. A Finalist for Unicorn Theatre's 2019 In-Progress New Play Reading Series.

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The Volunteer

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Volunteer by Cassandra Rose
    “

    A powerful look at what we're willing to do for survival, even if it means sacrifice. Well done.

    A powerful look at what we're willing to do for survival, even if it means sacrifice. Well done.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: The Volunteer by Cassandra Rose
    “

    A chilling parable/"what if?" that so thoroughly explores the tendency towards dehumanizing one's enemies in exchange for survival and perpetuation of self-interest. Through her alternate reality, Rose effectively captures the fears and questions raised during the Cold War. The structure of the "guest lectures" gives a unique and theatrical framing to the piece without at all being didactic or obvious. On the contrary--this piece is subtle and full of humanity and nuance!

    A chilling parable/"what if?" that so thoroughly explores the tendency towards dehumanizing one's enemies in exchange for survival and perpetuation of self-interest. Through her alternate reality, Rose effectively captures the fears and questions raised during the Cold War. The structure of the "guest lectures" gives a unique and theatrical framing to the piece without at all being didactic or obvious. On the contrary--this piece is subtle and full of humanity and nuance!

    ”
  • Kevin Sparrow: The Volunteer by Cassandra Rose
    “

    I had the opportunity to see a reading of THE VOLUNTEER at Stage Left Theatre in Chicago, and I was captivated by the dual sides of this story: the brain and the heart. What starts off as a thought experiment becomes a very emotional and humbling experience for everyone involved. This is an incredible play with certainty and a purpose of vision by the playwright that I would love to see in a full production.

    I had the opportunity to see a reading of THE VOLUNTEER at Stage Left Theatre in Chicago, and I was captivated by the dual sides of this story: the brain and the heart. What starts off as a thought experiment becomes a very emotional and humbling experience for everyone involved. This is an incredible play with certainty and a purpose of vision by the playwright that I would love to see in a full production.

    ”
View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

  • The President
    President of the United States during the 1980. Ronald Reagan, except not.
    40s-60s
    White
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • The Pentagon
    In charge of the security of the United States
    30s-60s
    Any
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • The First Lady
    Married to The President of the United States. Very fashionable
    40s-60s
    White
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • The Secret Service
    In charge of the security of the White House and President
    20s-30s
    Any
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • The Soviet
    The future leader of the USSR
    40s-50s
    Any
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • The Sister
    The Volunteer's sister back in Tularosa, NM
    20s-30s
    Latina
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Roger Fisher
    Negotiation expert who proposes a new form of nuclear deterrence.
    50s-60s
    Any
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • The Volunteer
    A woman who's volunteered to have nuclear launch codes surgically placed behind her heart. Originally from Tularosa, NM
    20s-40s
    Latina
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

Awards