The Labeler by Dana Lynn Formby

Two sisters, one “successful” and one “…not so much”, must agree on the best way to lay their mother to rest. As they search for that answer they discover their mom left them a piece of her in the form of a podcast, downloadable on iTunes. This is a hilarious, heartbreaking, suspenseful play that examines what it means—and what it takes to finally say goodbye.
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The Labeler

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    5 Jul. 2021
    “ A moving and honest look at grief in the context of siblings putting their mother to rest as they let go and come tougher.er Well done. ”
  • Kim E. Ruyle:
    7 Jun. 2021
    “ This is a wonderful two-hander. Sisters on a road trip dealing with their mother’s death, their own sibling relationship, and revelations that come to light through a short recording made by their mother before her death. The characters are so well drawn, and the dialogue is inventive but so, so real. Formby is a master at using space, silence, and what’s not said to say so much! Would love to see this performed. ”
  • Gabriella Bonamici:
    22 Oct. 2019
    “ 'The Labeler' tells a story of sibling relationships and shared grief in a way that feels so honest and universal. Formby's masterful dialogue is rich with heartbreaking and beautiful subtext that carries a mystery throughout. ”
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Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Chicago Dramatists
    ,
    2015

Awards

Honorable Mention
,
The List
,
Kilroys
,
2016