Wadada and the Whale by Jen Browne

Following two brothers after the death of their parents Wadada and the Whale explores grief, faith, and what happens when you're trapped in your own mythology.

Still in development this early draft is ready for the next phase of growth and adventure.
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Wadada and the Whale

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    18 Apr. 2021
    “ A moving journey of the process of handling grief and finding the faith in the experience of life. Beautiful. ”
  • Playwrights Foundation:
    7 Apr. 2020
    “ Playwrights Foundation enthusiastically recommends this play, WADADA AND THE WHALE, as a Semi-Finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival 2020. We were moved by the quality of the writing and the relevant and compelling themes that spoke to the mission of our festival. It excelled in a competitive process of 735 plays submitted this year and rose to the top after a six month long process discussing its merits with both national and local Bay Area readers, and we hope it moves swiftly towards production. ”

Character Information

  • Wadada
    early 40s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Deanti's younger brother; loyal follower of the Whale; doesn't venture far beyond known pathways and circles, very by the book even with his interesting quirks
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Deanti
    early to mid 40s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Wadada's older brother; defecting from The Whale and his teachings; reactive and sometimes gruff, but honestly quite lonely and sad
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Judy
    late 30s early 40s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Strong-willed, opinionated lady friend to Deanti. Never one to be tied down for long she decides when something starts and when it ends. If she had to choose she would choose to be alone.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Lather Rinse Repeat
    ,
    2016

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
Bay Area Playwrights Festival
,
2020