←Recommendations of Survival Strategy

A great short play that anyone can relate to. Well-written with two real, complex characters at its center. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any day of the year. Well done!

This is such a sweet play by DONNA HOKE. We all need a “Survival Strategy” (title) to make our lives fulfilling. Audiences will really enjoy watching this performed.

A beautifully done play on the intimacy we all crave and sometimes we really need that hug, even if it's from our friend. Very sweet!

Two office mates feel sort of alienated from their wives on Valentine's Day which leads to the need for closeness. It's not what you think but some manly hugs are just the cure. Perfect play for Valentine's Day.

Sometimes we need more compassion in our lives than passion, and Hoke demonstrates this beautifully in this little gem of a play. The dialogue flows with gentle humor towards a heartfelt and deeply satisfying conclusion.

It´s hard to not feel the longing for physical touching so acutely in this time of social isolation. I would recommend "Survival Strategy" being featured in a short play festival while we are all self-quarantining and again after we hopefully emerge and go back to working in offices again- it is that universal.

A sweet and witty variation on the idea of the "office spouse." And who doesn't occasionally just need a good hug?

The names - Sammy, Jerry, and their unseen spouses/BFF/SO Blair and Chris - are cleverly chosen as to be all gender-neutral. But co-workers Sammy and Jerry are clearly close enough to confide details of their unfulfilled personal lives in a manner that goes beyond typical workplace distance. And so in this gently teasing comedy, they break the ice and agree to share Platonic hugs at specified intervals. No problem with that: as theater people we're all used to hugs with no sexual implications, and so the author insists. But then again, this is Valentine's Day . . . .

Hoke gives us a gentle reminder that humans are tactile, hugs are not always sexual and kindness is always welcome - even when awkward. As I read this “in the time of social distancing,” I note how many people miss closeness. It’s a highly theatrical play as you watch the moments change and will resonate with all audiences. Because Hoke found a truth.

Wonderfully imaginative play that ramps up beautifully into its climactic moment to make a brand new world seem possible! Very optimistic, perfect for a Valentine's Short Play Festival. I hope it gets produced often!