A Thousand Natural Shocks

by Jacob Marx Rice

Kennedy is doing okay! Her depression is under control, she’s got a stable job, and her wife adores her. But when the couple decides to make a baby, they must navigate the chaos of IVF, the inevitability of pain, and the Tik-Tok teen crashing on their couch.

Kennedy is doing okay! Her depression is under control, she’s got a stable job, and her wife adores her. But when the couple decides to make a baby, they must navigate the chaos of IVF, the inevitability of pain, and the Tik-Tok teen crashing on their couch.

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A Thousand Natural Shocks

Recommended by

  • James Moran: A Thousand Natural Shocks by Jacob Marx Rice
    “

    This play refigures some of life's heavy realities by suffusing them with humor, humanity and heart.

    This play refigures some of life's heavy realities by suffusing them with humor, humanity and heart.

    ”
  • Callan Stout: A Thousand Natural Shocks by Jacob Marx Rice
    “

    I've had the great pleasure of both reading and seeing a reading of this play. This is a moving story that doesn't shy away from complex ideas and conversations. Each discussion and argument between the two main characters feels visceral and insightful. I found myself siding with each character's thoughts and feelings in turns. I love how Jacob Marx Rice integrates the science into the emotional trajectory of the play. Can't wait to see this play fully produced!

    I've had the great pleasure of both reading and seeing a reading of this play. This is a moving story that doesn't shy away from complex ideas and conversations. Each discussion and argument between the two main characters feels visceral and insightful. I found myself siding with each character's thoughts and feelings in turns. I love how Jacob Marx Rice integrates the science into the emotional trajectory of the play. Can't wait to see this play fully produced!

    ”
  • Kyle Smith: A Thousand Natural Shocks by Jacob Marx Rice
    “

    This play is a powerful study of depression and potential parenthood, that vacillates between big laughs and big feels. As a soon-to-be parent that is mentally ill, I felt deeply seen by this play. A Thousand Natural Shocks is the kind of mental health-positive theater that needs to be seen everywhere. Produce this play!

    This play is a powerful study of depression and potential parenthood, that vacillates between big laughs and big feels. As a soon-to-be parent that is mentally ill, I felt deeply seen by this play. A Thousand Natural Shocks is the kind of mental health-positive theater that needs to be seen everywhere. Produce this play!

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Kennedy
    A bio teacher with major teacher energy: smart, tough, and a control freak, but not in a bad way. Kennedy has struggled with depression for most of her life. In the last few years, she has gotten it mostly under control, thanks to medication, therapy and her relationship with Laurel.
    30s
    Black,
    Mixed-Race
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Laurel
    Funny, but uses jokes to hide discomfort. Laurel is an art photographer who makes her living photographing gay weddings. She is a big believer in the value of community. She and Kennedy have been together for five years and married for two.
    40s
    African-American or Latinx or white
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jennifer
    Has the jaded, seen-everything attitude of someone who has seen almost nothing. She's smart and thoughtful when she's engaged, but she thinks most adults are idiots (to be fair, she’s not entirely wrong). She was adopted as an infant by two of Laurel’s closest friends.
    Teens
    Chinese
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Molly
    Molly’s nickname in college was Mustang Molly, which tells you everything you need to know. She’s a joyous cyclone of chaos, with a thick Boston accent that she's damn proud of. She just had a baby two months ago and is in way over her head.
    30s
    Female
    Irish-American
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Doctor
    A gifted fertility doctor with terrible bedside manner. Sharp as a tack and blunt as a hammer. Can be double cast with Molly.
    Any Age
    Any Race
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, QED Astoria, 2023
  • Workshop, Playground SF, 2023
  • Reading, Headwall Theatre Company, 2022

Awards

  • New Work Grant
    Queens Council on the Arts
    Winner
    2023
  • Princess Grace Award in Playwriting
    Finalist
    2022