Better

by Michelle Carter

20-year old Emily is the star student in the department where her mother teaches biology. One day, her mother commits a shocking, unthinkable crime. Emily is beset not only with shame but with terrible fear of what she herself might be carrying through the world. She gets a job at The Melting Pot, visits a medium, searching like the good student that she is for answers. How will she endure her pain? Is she...

20-year old Emily is the star student in the department where her mother teaches biology. One day, her mother commits a shocking, unthinkable crime. Emily is beset not only with shame but with terrible fear of what she herself might be carrying through the world. She gets a job at The Melting Pot, visits a medium, searching like the good student that she is for answers. How will she endure her pain? Is she deserving of happiness? Will things ever be better again?

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Better

Recommended by

  • Sapphire Engel: Better by Michelle Carter
    “

    Better by Michelle Carter expresses themes of a toxic family and identity. Carter’s choices in her of a main character who is dealing with her own growing up while being tasked by the horrors of her parents. Carter also uses symbolism to represent the characters feelings and every one of the characters are very well developed. All in all Better is a play that is about mental well being and trying to get better when it feels impossible from your given surroundings.

    Better by Michelle Carter expresses themes of a toxic family and identity. Carter’s choices in her of a main character who is dealing with her own growing up while being tasked by the horrors of her parents. Carter also uses symbolism to represent the characters feelings and every one of the characters are very well developed. All in all Better is a play that is about mental well being and trying to get better when it feels impossible from your given surroundings.

    ”
  • Rachel Bublitz: Better by Michelle Carter
    “

    A moving and emotionally full play about dealing with the unthinkable. Carter uses humor and a matter-of-fact protagonist to juxtapose the gravity the world she’s created. I would love to see this in production. A fantastic play.

    A moving and emotionally full play about dealing with the unthinkable. Carter uses humor and a matter-of-fact protagonist to juxtapose the gravity the world she’s created. I would love to see this in production. A fantastic play.

    ”
  • Stephanie Carlson: Better by Michelle Carter
    “

    This was a fascinating read, and I would love to see it performed. A truly moving and entertaining story about coping with the incomprehensible.

    This was a fascinating read, and I would love to see it performed. A truly moving and entertaining story about coping with the incomprehensible.

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, Playwrights Horizons / Clubbed Thumb, 2015