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. ”
Diverse cast. No specific race for the characters, even for ALLY and VITO.
If you include protesters you may have more than 6 actors.
You can use the actors playing AUDREY and CHAD as protesters in some scenes.
There's doubling. See character breakdown.
ALLY GRAY
43,
Any
,
Female
First a prime-time news reporter for an affiliate TV news station, later an anchor.
Can be played by:
Age:
40s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
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.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
AUDREY
Any
,
Female
Her best friend since college. Early 40s. Vito's “godsister.” She’s a Chief paramedic. Lesbian.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
CHAD
23,
Any
,
Male
ALLEGRA’s boyfriend. 23. Works with kids and adults with special needs.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
JERUSALEM JOE
40+,
Any
,
Male
A cowboy/minister combination, an anti-abortion protester. He’s also a short order cook. 40+.
Can be played by:
Age:
40s, 50s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
DIANE
30s,
Any
,
Female
Jerusalem Joe’s niece. 30s.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
SANDIE
30+,
Any
,
Female
An obstetrician and sonographer. Played by the actor playing AUDREY. 40+.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s, 40s, 50s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
NURSES/POLICE OFFICERS
30s+,
Any
,
Any
Played by the actor playing JERUSALEM JOE or CHAD and the actor playing DIANE.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s, 40s, 50s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female, Male
Development History
Reading
,
A table reading at Playwright's Center, Minneapolis, MN.