The Roommate

by Jen Silverman

Recently divorced and living in an old house in Iowa, Sharon finds a sensible roommate like herself—a woman in her fifties—to make ends meet. But she quickly learns that Robyn is a fugitive of sorts, who couldn’t be further from the ladies in her book club. As both women become close, each recognizes in the other an overwhelming desire to transform her own life. But the only question is: what will be the price...

Recently divorced and living in an old house in Iowa, Sharon finds a sensible roommate like herself—a woman in her fifties—to make ends meet. But she quickly learns that Robyn is a fugitive of sorts, who couldn’t be further from the ladies in her book club. As both women become close, each recognizes in the other an overwhelming desire to transform her own life. But the only question is: what will be the price of that transformation. A dark comedy about what it takes to re-route your life - and what happens when the wheels come off.

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The Roommate

Recommended by

  • Emily Bernard: The Roommate by Jen Silverman
    “

    A unique, heart-felt, and thought provoking ride. The specificity of the stage direction coupled with the honest dialogue between these two women makes for a wonderful and unexpected story. It will stick with you long after reading, and you will find yourself imagining what Sharon and Robyn are up to now.

    A unique, heart-felt, and thought provoking ride. The specificity of the stage direction coupled with the honest dialogue between these two women makes for a wonderful and unexpected story. It will stick with you long after reading, and you will find yourself imagining what Sharon and Robyn are up to now.

    ”
  • Sharai Bohannon: The Roommate by Jen Silverman
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play at Steppenwolf this summer. It was a very fun breath of fresh air. I don't want to give a way spoilers but there is a lot for two older women to play with found within this script. I also appreciate that it strayed away from unnecessary stereotypes that we unfortunately see everywhere in the media.

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play at Steppenwolf this summer. It was a very fun breath of fresh air. I don't want to give a way spoilers but there is a lot for two older women to play with found within this script. I also appreciate that it strayed away from unnecessary stereotypes that we unfortunately see everywhere in the media.

    ”
  • Rich Espey: The Roommate by Jen Silverman
    “

    A funny and beautiful story about the joys and the terrors of personal reinvention and of opening yourself up to the new and unknown. Sharon's journey is part inspiration, part cautionary tale. It's wonderful to get to know and love two such different women so fully in such a tidy little play.

    A funny and beautiful story about the joys and the terrors of personal reinvention and of opening yourself up to the new and unknown. Sharon's journey is part inspiration, part cautionary tale. It's wonderful to get to know and love two such different women so fully in such a tidy little play.

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, 2015
  • Reading, SPACE on Ryder Farm, 2014
  • Workshop, The Playwright's Realm, 2014

Production History

  • Professional, Actor's Theatre of Louisville (Humana Festival), 2015