THE PLATYPODES

FULL-LENGTH. 86 pages in play text. Has never received a professional production. Seeking development.
THE PLATYPODES is about Ally Gray, a pregnant woman, who's making a difficult decision for herself and her brother who has Down syndrome. Complicating matters is that her entire city knows that she is pregnant. This political play deals with current restrictions on reproductive rights.
...
FULL-LENGTH. 86 pages in play text. Has never received a professional production. Seeking development.
THE PLATYPODES is about Ally Gray, a pregnant woman, who's making a difficult decision for herself and her brother who has Down syndrome. Complicating matters is that her entire city knows that she is pregnant. This political play deals with current restrictions on reproductive rights.

RECOGNITION ON NPX:
'Highly Recommended and Not Yet Produced', list by Brian James Polak, 2019.
'Passing the Bechdel Test', list by Danielle Ozymandias, 2018.

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THE PLATYPODES

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    23 Sep. 2020
    An important story that is all too silent in this country and is finally given a voice. Needed and well done.
  • Jordan Elizabeth Henry:
    27 May. 2020
    THE PLATYPODES has long been on my to-read list, and I'm so glad I finally had a chance to encounter this rare, vibrant play. Wyndham has gifted us with complicated characters in a difficult situation. An interesting and complex discussion of the intricacies of women's rights and neurological differences.
  • Chris Gacinski:
    7 Mar. 2020
    Before I even read the first scene, I was in awe with how organized the breakdown page was, which truly enhanced my reading experience of “The Platypodes.” This was unlike anything I’ve read on this site. Asher Wyndham Bowles squeezes every drop of emotion out of these characters as we experience the troubles they do. This is an important and balanced play that deserves to be seen and read, one that touches on important issues that are still ongoing today.

Character Information

  • ALLY GRAY
    43,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    First a prime-time news reporter for an affiliate TV news station, later an anchor.
  • VITO
    30,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Ally's brother. He has Down syndrome. He has hearing aids.
    Almost 30 at the start of the play. He knows some A.S.L.
    I strongly recommend that an actor with Down syndrome plays this part.
  • AUDREY
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Her best friend since college. Early 40s. Vito's “godsister.” She’s a Chief paramedic. Lesbian.
  • CHAD
    23,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    ALLEGRA’s boyfriend. 23. Works with kids and adults with special needs.
  • JERUSALEM JOE
    40+,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A cowboy/minister combination, an anti-abortion protester. He’s also a short order cook. 40+.
  • DIANE
    30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Jerusalem Joe’s niece. 30s.
  • SANDIE
    30+,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    An obstetrician and sonographer. Played by the actor playing AUDREY. 40+.
  • NURSES/POLICE OFFICERS
    30s+,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Played by the actor playing JERUSALEM JOE or CHAD and the actor playing DIANE.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    A table reading at Playwright's Center, Minneapolis, MN.
    ,
    2014

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
Semi-Finalist
,
Ruckus Rockwell
,
2018