Drift by Patrick Gabridge

The lives of very different farming families intertwine after a deadly pesticide accident. As two wives find themselves caught between holding on to what was lost and moving forward, Drift finds dark poetry in how we relate to the land around us and how we grow food in contemporary America.
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Drift

Recommended by

  • Talya Kingston:
    5 Jan. 2024
    “ A brilliant poetic depiction of grief as mirrored in the rhythms of farming life. Throughout a season we see the strength it takes a family to survive in a new community that doesn't accept them. Haunting. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    19 Nov. 2021
    “ A moving glimpse into the lives of the Americans who farm our land and are struggling with grief as well as the next steps forward. Powerful and definitely will leave it's mark. ”
  • Debbie Lamedman:
    24 Mar. 2021
    “ This play is beautiful, poetic, and heartbreaking. Gabridge takes us by the hand and leads us into the depths of this family’s grief. The story unfolds in a succinct and theatrical way, allowing all our senses to fully come alive. We experience each distinct season on the farm and get caught up in the tragedy of this broken, grieving family and the dilemma of how to grow sustainable produce. Fantastic roles for four strong actors! ”
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Character Information

MOLLY BENZA. 55. White.

JAMAL BENZA. 23. Black.

CALLIE BENZA. 25. Multi-racial in background–a woman of color, but perhaps not easily pigeon-holed into a standard American racial category.

NORA DAVIDSON. 58. White.

  • Molly Benza
    55,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A relatively new but enthusiastic and committed organic farmer (very small scale farm). Mother to
    Jamal and Callie. Was married to Jane, who is now dead, from Clomazone poisoning. She often wears a harvest knife on her belt and always dresses in her farm clothes.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jamal Benza
    23,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Molly and Jane's adoptive son. Black. A
    cameraman/videographer. Not interested in farming.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Callie Benza
    25,
    BIPOC
    ,
    Female
    Molly and Jane's adoptive daughter. Very multi-racial in background--a woman of color, but perhaps not
    easily pigeon-holed into a standard American racial category. A graduate student, avid gardener, and possible future farmer.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Nora Davidson
    58,
    White
    ,
    Cisgender Female
    Long-time resident of this town. Was married to part-time farmer John for 36 years, before he died in a pesticide exposure accident. Works in town--she's not a farmer.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Royal Pain Shakespeare
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Munroe Center for the Arts, Lexington, MA
    ,
    2018
  • Workshop
    ,
    Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    ,
    2017
  • Workshop
    ,
    Huntington Theatre Company
    ,
    2016