Samsara

by Lauren Yee

Katie and Craig are having a baby… with a surrogate… who lives in India. A month before the baby’s due date, Craig reluctantly travels to the subcontinent, where he meets Suraiya, their young, less-than-thrilled surrogate. As all three “parents” anxiously wait for the baby to be born, flights of fancy attack them from all sides, in the form of an unctuous Frenchman and a smart-mouthed fetus. A whimsical take on...

Katie and Craig are having a baby… with a surrogate… who lives in India. A month before the baby’s due date, Craig reluctantly travels to the subcontinent, where he meets Suraiya, their young, less-than-thrilled surrogate. As all three “parents” anxiously wait for the baby to be born, flights of fancy attack them from all sides, in the form of an unctuous Frenchman and a smart-mouthed fetus. A whimsical take on modern day colonialism.

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Samsara

Recommended by

  • Lavina Jadhwani: Samsara

    A whip-smart, imaginative, and poignant examination of what family can look like in the modern age. SAMSARA examines contemporary colonialism through the lens of commercial surrogacy -- I saw the premiere at Victory Gardens in 2015 and still find myself thinking about this play. Yee writes some of my favorite father figures, and the character of Craig is especially compelling. Also contains two unforgettable roles for South Asian actors!

    A whip-smart, imaginative, and poignant examination of what family can look like in the modern age. SAMSARA examines contemporary colonialism through the lens of commercial surrogacy -- I saw the premiere at Victory Gardens in 2015 and still find myself thinking about this play. Yee writes some of my favorite father figures, and the character of Craig is especially compelling. Also contains two unforgettable roles for South Asian actors!

  • Roger Tang: Samsara

    This is a funny play, with some truly witty scenes and dialogue banter that any theatre would be proud to stage. The off the wall humor nicely contrasts with some basic human truths. (And don't get scared off by the casting requirements---don't let it be an excuse not to do this show!)

    This is a funny play, with some truly witty scenes and dialogue banter that any theatre would be proud to stage. The off the wall humor nicely contrasts with some basic human truths. (And don't get scared off by the casting requirements---don't let it be an excuse not to do this show!)

  • Ramona Rose King: Samsara

    This play is truly lovely. Both readings at the O'Neill's NPC 2013 were hugely successful--the audience was completely engaged. My favorite thing about it is that it's truly hilarious for much of the first half, but comes to a surprisingly deep, emotionally resonant conclusion. Lauren has a unique, fresh, and important voice, and every play of hers that I've read has been a joy.

    This play is truly lovely. Both readings at the O'Neill's NPC 2013 were hugely successful--the audience was completely engaged. My favorite thing about it is that it's truly hilarious for much of the first half, but comes to a surprisingly deep, emotionally resonant conclusion. Lauren has a unique, fresh, and important voice, and every play of hers that I've read has been a joy.

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization O'Neill Conference, Year 2013
  • Type Workshop, Organization Victory Gardens Theatre, Year 2012
  • Type Workshop, Organization Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Year 2012

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Victory Gardens Theatre, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization Chance Theatre, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization Single Carrot Theatre, Year 2017