THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING by Monica Cross

[Ten-minute Science Fiction Play]
Also, adapted for zoom. Contact playwright for Zoom Edition.
Cindi and Dell are on an important mission to find a planet on which to scatter the seeds of humanity and foster a new civilization. But they’ve been out in space longer than anyone anticipated. On Cindi’s 400th birthday, they stand on the Observation Deck, just a thin stasis barrier between them and...
[Ten-minute Science Fiction Play]
Also, adapted for zoom. Contact playwright for Zoom Edition.
Cindi and Dell are on an important mission to find a planet on which to scatter the seeds of humanity and foster a new civilization. But they’ve been out in space longer than anyone anticipated. On Cindi’s 400th birthday, they stand on the Observation Deck, just a thin stasis barrier between them and the void of space. Cindi holds all that is left of humanity in a small box. Dell tries to keep them on mission as the two fight over the container and the meaning of life itself.
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THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING

Recommended by

  • Christopher Plumridge:
    23 Jan. 2023
    “ It's inevitable that 400 years of life will take it's toll. Cindi and Dell are on a mission to foster a new civilization but it is unclear where and when this could happen and those who instructed them have long since passed. This is an interesting look into a relationship between two young women (as if 400 years is young!) and their final decision seems inevitable, nonetheless CROSS has handled this sensitively and subtly. A lovely short play. ”
  • Sam Heyman:
    22 Apr. 2022
    “ There is something wistful and compelling about stories that explore immortality, and few quite tap into the human struggle with losing one's humanity better, and with as much economy, than Monica Cross's THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING. As two voyagers seek out a new world on which to reignite mankind's spark, they grapple with hope, hopelessness and a desire to reclaim what they have lost: the ability to not just survive, but to live. ”
  • Lee R. Lawing:
    20 Feb. 2022
    “ I love the marking of each day physically as a grounding exercise. Like the old fashioned desk calendars that I can actually see and depose of the old day for the new. This beautiful tale of a possible new life on another planet that we hopefully wouldn't destroy over time is so beautifully simple and direct about the possibilities of new life and the reality of what space travel would be like for those on a certain mission to try and begin again when sometimes, it's better to slow down time and live out our lives day by day. ”
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Character Information

I believe in and support the use of identity conscious casting in an expansive and intersectional way throughout my work. I promote racial, ethnic, gender, ability, and size diversity in the casting choices used to produce this play.

  • Cindi
    400, looks 30,
    Any
    ,
    Agender
    Tired of the mission.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Dell
    A few years shy of 400, looks about 25.,
    Any
    ,
    Agender
    Very committed to Cindi
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Northland Pioneer College
    ,
    2022
  • University
    ,
    The Actors Conservatory at Artists Rep
    ,
    2021
  • Fringe
    ,
    Harpy Productions
    ,
    2020