From the Deep

by Cassie M. Seinuk

FULL LENGTH - When Andrew, a young Black missing Boston University student, arrives in the surreal Room of the Missing, Ilan, an Israeli POW, must convince Andrew to play games, keep his mind active, and face the truth of his captivity before they both go missing forever. From The Deep explores the question: where do we go when in captivity, and what will we do to survive?

FULL LENGTH - When Andrew, a young Black missing Boston University student, arrives in the surreal Room of the Missing, Ilan, an Israeli POW, must convince Andrew to play games, keep his mind active, and face the truth of his captivity before they both go missing forever. From The Deep explores the question: where do we go when in captivity, and what will we do to survive?

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From the Deep

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: From the Deep

    I loved this creative and beautifully-executed play from start to finish! Seinuk does an awesome job of establishing a consistent and vividly-rendered theatrical world populated by two compelling characters. There is a poignant symmetry between Ilan and Andrew's literal and metaphorical captivity, and I appreciated that, while there were clear parallels drawn between the two, it was always evident that each man's journey was unique, distinct, and respected as such. Structurally, I loved the contemplative but continuously progressive tempo and rhythm of the piece. I'd love to see this on its...

    I loved this creative and beautifully-executed play from start to finish! Seinuk does an awesome job of establishing a consistent and vividly-rendered theatrical world populated by two compelling characters. There is a poignant symmetry between Ilan and Andrew's literal and metaphorical captivity, and I appreciated that, while there were clear parallels drawn between the two, it was always evident that each man's journey was unique, distinct, and respected as such. Structurally, I loved the contemplative but continuously progressive tempo and rhythm of the piece. I'd love to see this on its feet!

  • Wayne L. Firestone: From the Deep

    This tale of two captives is about symmetries and asymmetries and the deals we make with ourselves and others when we are desperate. The two men brought together through unrelated tragic circumstances, nonetheless prove hopeful allies to one another with the promise of paying it forward to others. This is high drama. I want to know why they are there, will they get out and what will they sacrifice as part of their struggle to survive.

    This tale of two captives is about symmetries and asymmetries and the deals we make with ourselves and others when we are desperate. The two men brought together through unrelated tragic circumstances, nonetheless prove hopeful allies to one another with the promise of paying it forward to others. This is high drama. I want to know why they are there, will they get out and what will they sacrifice as part of their struggle to survive.

  • Jim Dalglish: From the Deep

    I love this play... Its themes, its two characters, and their situation continue to haunt my memory. Very well done from beginning to end.

    I love this play... Its themes, its two characters, and their situation continue to haunt my memory. Very well done from beginning to end.

View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • Ilan Shaliach
    a 25 year old Israeli Solider, Prisoner Of War for 5 years, he is skinny, nearly too skinny, he has an Israeli accent when he speaks English, but he speaks English very well. He is trying to make amends for past errors. He is always active.
    Character Age
    26-30
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Israeli
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Andrew Dayton
    ANDREW DAYTON, is a 20 year old Black American, Engineering student at Boston University, and originally from Virginia. He has a deep secret that weighs heavily upon him.
    Character Age
    23
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American / Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Virtually Self Produced on Zoom, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization Firehouse Center for the Arts, Year 2014
  • Type Reading, Organization The Kennedy Center, Year 2014
  • Type Reading, Organization Paper Sprout Productions, Year 2013
  • Type Reading, Organization Interim Writers, Year 2013

Production History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Boston Public Works Theater Company, Year 2015
  • Type Fringe, Organization New York International Fringe Festival, Year 2016

Awards

  • The List
    The Kilroys
    Honorable Mention
    2015
  • Latin American Playwrights Award
    The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
    Runner Up
    2014
  • Jewish Cultural Endowment
    Winner
    2014
  • Jewish Cultural Endowment
    Boston University
    Winner
    2016
  • Pestalozzi New Play Prize
    Firehouse Center for the Arts
    Winner
    2013