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.
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A Thousand Natural Shocks

Recommended by

  • Callan Stout:
    14 Mar. 2024
    “ 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:
    2 Dec. 2022
    “ 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! ”
  • The PlayGround Experiment:
    8 Jun. 2022
    “ This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too. ”
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Character Information

  • Kennedy
    30s,
    Black, Mixed-Race
    ,
    Female
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Laurel
    40s,
    White
    ,
    Female
    Funny, but uses jokes to hide discomfort. Laurel is an art photographer who makes her living photographing gay weddings. She and Kennedy have been together for five years and married for two.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Jennifer
    Teens,
    Chinese
    ,
    Female
    Has the jaded, seen-everything attitude of someone who has seen almost nothing. She's smart and thoughtful when she's engaged, but thinks most adults are idiots (to be fair, she’s not wrong). She was adopted as an infant by Laurel’s closest friends.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Molly
    30s,
    Female
    ,
    White
    Molly’s nickname in college was Mustang Molly. 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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Doctor
    Any Age,
    BIPOC
    ,
    Female
    A gifted fertility doctor with terrible bedside manner. Sharp as a tack, but blunt as a hammer. She knows everything you ever wanted to know about fertilization, and quite a few things you probably don’t.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

Awards

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