This Vessel Is A Fragile Thing by Britt A Willis

Over three nights and three dreams a non-binary person explores their relationship with their body, their family, and their desire to escape from the internal and external conflicts surrounding them.

The first night they dream of turning into a tornado and destroying their hometown.
The second night they dream of fighting in a war with their grandfather.
The third night they...
Over three nights and three dreams a non-binary person explores their relationship with their body, their family, and their desire to escape from the internal and external conflicts surrounding them.

The first night they dream of turning into a tornado and destroying their hometown.
The second night they dream of fighting in a war with their grandfather.
The third night they dream of a future where they can transition into any form they choose.
As the third dream progresses, it shifts, trying to please and keep them in the dream, away from the real world problems they so desperately want to avoid.
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This Vessel Is A Fragile Thing

Recommended by

  • Reinette LeJeune:
    24 Dec. 2020
    “ As someone who both experiences dysphoria and memories of growing up with tornados, this play was such a magical read for me - I'd love to see it performed. The way in which the internal feelings of self mix with the abstract imagery that Britt Willis creates would truly feel right at home up on a stage. Their creativity is in full view here. ”
  • Sarah Cho:
    1 Sep. 2020
    “ I love plays that challenge the form! There was not a single moment where I wasn’t emotionally invested in Britt's poetry. This was incredibly mesmerizing play to read about our relationship to the body that also felt so deeply truthful and honest. This is an intimate play that is meant to be SEEN. ”
  • Danielle Mohlman:
    23 Mar. 2020
    “ I was lucky enough to see a virtual staged reading of This Vessel is a Fragile Thing on March 23 and I know I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time. Britt does weird in the very best way — weird that makes you think and wrestle and marvel and care. I cannot wait for there to be a fully produced version because I picture it full of dance and technicolor dreams. Thank you for writing this, Britt! ”
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Character Information

  • The Body
    Non-binary, gender non-conforming
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Non-binary
  • An Ensemble of 5 or more actors who play
    People from The Body’s hometown
    The Body’s partner
    The Body’s sister
    The Body’s grandfather and other soldiers
    Futuristic interviewers, researchers, and research participants
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Inkubator New Works Development Laboratory - Podcast Series
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    The Where House Productions
    ,
    2019

Awards

Finalist
,
Competition Finalist
,
Trustus Playwrights Festival
,
2021
Finalist
,
Competition Finalist
,
Campfire Theatre Festival
,
2020