Ghosts

by George Sapio

FULL-LENGTH. Bobno, a documentary maker, and his assistant, Maddie, travel to New Orleans to film the right-to-die case of a woman who has been in a vegetative state since she was assaulted 20 years before. Complications arise as they are visited by the local Sheriff, who is also Bobno's stepfather. Maddie's investigation reveals that Bobno is more involved with the coma case than he has let on. The coma victim...

FULL-LENGTH. Bobno, a documentary maker, and his assistant, Maddie, travel to New Orleans to film the right-to-die case of a woman who has been in a vegetative state since she was assaulted 20 years before. Complications arise as they are visited by the local Sheriff, who is also Bobno's stepfather. Maddie's investigation reveals that Bobno is more involved with the coma case than he has let on. The coma victim may be trying to communicate. All of this parallels Maddie's investigation into a hundred-year-old ghost story (a child's tragic death) that supposedly took place in the townhouse hotel room they are staying in.

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Ghosts

Recommended by

  • Tom Erb: Ghosts

    George Sapio's "GHOSTS" is a riveting play that masterfully intertwines the allure of New Orleans with a tapestry of secrets and supernatural elements. The diverse cast brings to life a story that oscillates between past and present, revealing the haunting impact of trauma. Sapio's work is a testament to his skillful storytelling, leaving audiences enthralled by the depth of the characters and the palpable tension that lingers like the city's own ghosts.

    George Sapio's "GHOSTS" is a riveting play that masterfully intertwines the allure of New Orleans with a tapestry of secrets and supernatural elements. The diverse cast brings to life a story that oscillates between past and present, revealing the haunting impact of trauma. Sapio's work is a testament to his skillful storytelling, leaving audiences enthralled by the depth of the characters and the palpable tension that lingers like the city's own ghosts.

  • Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos: Ghosts

    What struck me first about Sapio’s play, GHOSTS, was its dialogue. Realistic and effortless, the language felt authentic and natural. Some of the best I’ve read in that regard. It was easy to hear these characters speak. What I enjoyed thinking about after having finished the play was the way Sapio exploited ghosts and its meaning. The story gives us traditional/classic ghosts, but also the ghosts of former selves, the ghosts of the undead, the ghosts of trauma, and the lingering presence of ghosts of a physical place. So many interesting staging possibilities, too. An enjoyable read.

    What struck me first about Sapio’s play, GHOSTS, was its dialogue. Realistic and effortless, the language felt authentic and natural. Some of the best I’ve read in that regard. It was easy to hear these characters speak. What I enjoyed thinking about after having finished the play was the way Sapio exploited ghosts and its meaning. The story gives us traditional/classic ghosts, but also the ghosts of former selves, the ghosts of the undead, the ghosts of trauma, and the lingering presence of ghosts of a physical place. So many interesting staging possibilities, too. An enjoyable read.

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: Ghosts

    Lots of twists and turns in this one. Playing with three different time periods and multiple mysteries, the playwright expertly weaves a tale that keeps you guessing where it is going and where it will end up. Also shows that ghosts come in many forms.

    Lots of twists and turns in this one. Playing with three different time periods and multiple mysteries, the playwright expertly weaves a tale that keeps you guessing where it is going and where it will end up. Also shows that ghosts come in many forms.

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Marcus “Bobno” Bobnowski: Male, 35, deeply troubled
Maddie: Female, 20s. Energetic, inquisitive, upbeat.
James Gordon: Male, 50s. Serious, dangerous.
Dr. Samantha Taylor: Female, 40ish. No-nonsense.
Dwight Davis: Male, 50s-60s. In deep sorrow. Religious, but questioning. Angry.
Emily Davis: Female, 50s-60s. Highly religious, broken-hearted.
Nurse: Cast as desired
Cop: Cast as desired
  • Marcus "Bobno" Bobnowski
    Tortured by a terrible secret and guilt. A serious filmmaker, Bobno returns to confront an awful tragedy. Race is not a factor; Bobno can be played by an actor of color if casting determines.
    Character Age
    35
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Maddie
    Race unimportant to script. Cast appropriately.
    Character Age
    Upper 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • James Gordon
    Self-claimed bisexual. Appears highly penitent, yet carries an aura of unpredictable danger.
    Character Age
    50+
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Samantha Taylor
    Doctor.
    Character Age
    50+
  • Dwight Davis
    Retired high school teacher. His daughter Crystal has been in a coma for twenty years following a brutal assault. A deeply religious man, he now is succumbing to the agony of watching his daughter linger for so long. Anger now fills his heart.
    Character Age
    50+
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Emily Davis
    Shattered by the tragedy of what happened to her daughter, Emily has dived deeper into her religious fervor. A strict woman.
    Character Age
    50+
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization M&A Panowski Award/Northern Michigan University - Winner, Year 2001

Awards

  • Mildred and Albert Panowski Playwriting Award
    Northern Michigan University
    Winner
    2001