A String Between Man and the World by Paige Zubel

75 minutes, no intermission.

Miles Alloway, a patient in a mental health facility, appeals for his release to an unseen panel of doctors (the audience). He claims his admittance was all one giant misunderstanding. His story of how he came to be there grows wilder and wilder, from timelines that don't add up, to government conspiracy theories, to a revelation on God himself. Ultimately,...
75 minutes, no intermission.

Miles Alloway, a patient in a mental health facility, appeals for his release to an unseen panel of doctors (the audience). He claims his admittance was all one giant misunderstanding. His story of how he came to be there grows wilder and wilder, from timelines that don't add up, to government conspiracy theories, to a revelation on God himself. Ultimately, unbelieved, Miles breaks. We're left to decide for ourselves if he really is insane or if maybe--just maybe--everything he said could be true.
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A String Between Man and the World

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow:
    3 Jun. 2021
    “ This is an incredible theatricalization of mental health struggles. The tightly-written, nuanced solo show is compelling and engaging throughout and was an ideal form for exploring Miles' mind in a way that left questions unanswered but still felt satisfyingly comprehensive, empathetic, and sensitive. The titular extended metaphor of the string that Miles describes is so beautifully written/explored through dialogue. Zubel writes such amazing pieces about the intersection of mental health, recovery, and care, and this one is no exception! I'd so love to see it performed live. ”
  • Julie Zaffarano:
    27 Jan. 2019
    “ A gripping play that draws you deeper and deeper into the mind of Miles Alloway, who may or may not be insane. Zubel’s descriptive and poetic language set against Mike’s fervor keeps the audience on the edge. Well done. ”
  • Caitlin Turnage:
    27 May. 2016
    “ Fantastic one man show, full of intriguing twists and turns, beautiful and simple to stage. Saw a production of it at the University of Houston and was awed right along with the rest of the audience! Super compelling, and great to explore the world of reality vs. fiction. Cerebral and exciting this play is thrilling to see! I would definitely recommend it for a read! ”

Character Information

  • Miles Alloway
    30s ,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    InterAct Theatre Company
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    William Inge Theatre Festival
    ,
    2017
  • Workshop
    ,
    Ignition Productions
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    What If? Productions
    ,
    2018

Awards

Winner
,
Playwrights Festival Best New Play
,
What If? Productions
,
2017