Trash Day by Andrew Martineau

(FULL LENGTH) Trash Day is a comedy about a newly retired Caucasian widower who suffers from depression, racism, sexism, and homophobia. He becomes a participant in a clinical trial for a new depression treatment, and ends up in the body of a younger African-American woman. He spends the rest of the play learning to adjust to his new condition.

TRASH DAY is published by Next Stage Press.
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Trash Day

Recommended by

  • Philip Middleton Williams:
    28 Oct. 2021
    “ "Trash Day" gives a new twist to the idea of body exchange, and instead of going for the "who's that?" confusion, Andrew Martineau does a deft job of exploring what really lies below the surface and how we all need to look beyond race and gender and into our hearts. He has a great cast of characters to work with as well; multidimensional and relatable. And as Aaron/Erin explores his/her inner self, they get to see what makes other people who don't fit into the narrow mold live their lives as well. ”
  • Donald E. Baker:
    26 Sep. 2021
    “ If you were a white, misogynistic, homophobic, racist man in his sixties who woke up one day as a black, possibly lesbian, woman in her thirties, how would you convince people that the "Aaron" on your driver's license is the same person as the "Erin" standing in front of them? More importantly, would you learn anything from the experience? This delightfully layered play would be an interesting challenge for the two completely different actors having to play the same person. Great concept, great execution. ”
  • Sabrina Rose Bivens:
    29 Aug. 2021
    “ This is such an amazing and unconventional way to show the disconnect a person with gender dysphoria feels. Andrew Martineau has crafted a brilliant, laugh-out-loud comedy that has something for everyone. You will walk away from it not only entertained but more aware. Well done! ”

Character Information

2-3 actors are required who play multiple characters

  • Vanessa
    25-45,
    Latina
    ,
    Transgender
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Non-binary
  • Tess
    25-35,
    White
    , Array
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Shalona
    30-40,
    African American
    ,
    Cisgender Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Phil
    30-50,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Bartender and Aaron's best friend
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Larson
    35-40,
    White
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Erin
    30-35,
    African American
    ,
    Female identifying as Male.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Calvin
    25-35,
    White or African American
    ,
    Cis male but not necessarily committed to it
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Aaron
    65-70,
    White
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    A Work in Progress Theatre Company
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    Ivy Theatre Company, New York City
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Dreamcatcher Entertainment (NYC)
    ,
    2015