bad things happen here

​The nation has never been healthier. Crime is down. Streets are clean. Civility reigns. But out of the corner of your eye, you might catch a glimpse of the men keeping things orderly. In a series of brief, enigmatic scenes, two women take us into the heart of a nation that has been disciplined by violence,
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bad things happen here

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow:
    31 Aug. 2021
    Structurally speaking, this piece is fascinating in the way it builds an entire world out of two-person scenes. This would be an excellent vehicle for two versatile actors. The speculative theatrical reality that Marlin builds feels like a sibling to the allegorical, war-torn world of Caryl Churchill's "Far Away" but, in this piece, we see a broader and more nuanced spectrum of humans. It is at turns lyrical, poignant, and unsettling. Marlin has written some incredible stage images here with distinct clarity, while also leaving much of the vision up to the creative production team that stages this piece!
  • Cheryl Bear:
    8 May. 2021
    Terrifying insight into what can happen when you see a nation disciplined by violence. Well done.
  • Patricia Milton:
    10 May. 2019
    Such dread is generated by these short, spare scenes. Terrific use of language, creating edge-of-the-seat suspense and engagement. Well done!

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Public Theater
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    PTP/NYC
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    Play Date at Pete's
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Fringe
    ,
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe
    ,
    2018
  • University
    ,
    University of Iowa
    ,
    2017

Awards

Finalist
,
Berliner Festspiele Stuckemarkt
,
2019
Semi-Finalist
,
PlayPenn
,
2017