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.

(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: Trash Day

    "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.

    "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: Trash Day

    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.

    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: Trash Day

    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!

    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
  • Aaron
    Character Age
    65-70
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Male
  • Erin
    Character Age
    30-35
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American
    Character Gender Identity
    Female identifying as Male.
  • Shalona
    Character Age
    30-40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Female
  • Larson
    Character Age
    35-40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Male
  • Calvin
    Character Age
    25-35
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White or African American
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis male but not necessarily committed to it
  • Tess
    Character Age
    25-35
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
  • Vanessa
    Character Age
    25-45
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latina
    Character Gender Identity
    Transgender
  • Phil
    Bartender and Aaron's best friend
    Character Age
    30-50
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

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