BlueShift

by John J King

Damon bought a house, and Martha is moving in with him. But she has trouble finding a room of her own in the new place. Meanwhile the house has spiders, raccoons, sad paint, and a neighbor who seems a bit too excited that a mixed-race couple has moved in. Turns out this may not be the best place for Martha to fight off her past demons. And speaking of demons: what is that coming out of the trunk in the attic?

A...

Damon bought a house, and Martha is moving in with him. But she has trouble finding a room of her own in the new place. Meanwhile the house has spiders, raccoons, sad paint, and a neighbor who seems a bit too excited that a mixed-race couple has moved in. Turns out this may not be the best place for Martha to fight off her past demons. And speaking of demons: what is that coming out of the trunk in the attic?

A ghost story about depression and time travel.

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BlueShift

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: BlueShift by John J King
    “

    A gorgeous, haunting play about relationships, depression, and the complex and perpetual process of taking care of one's mental health in adulthood. The relationship between Martha and Damon is rendered with such fine and nuanced brushstrokes, and the theatricalization of Martha's demons is unique, supremely effective, and gives so much for a production team to work with from all angles--actors, directors, designers. This play manages to plumb the scary depths of depression and to end on a hopeful note that doesn't sugarcoat or idealize recovery. Beautiful!

    A gorgeous, haunting play about relationships, depression, and the complex and perpetual process of taking care of one's mental health in adulthood. The relationship between Martha and Damon is rendered with such fine and nuanced brushstrokes, and the theatricalization of Martha's demons is unique, supremely effective, and gives so much for a production team to work with from all angles--actors, directors, designers. This play manages to plumb the scary depths of depression and to end on a hopeful note that doesn't sugarcoat or idealize recovery. Beautiful!

    ”
  • Ramona Rose King: BlueShift by John J King
    “

    This beautiful play is a theatrical, mind-bending love story. It really drives home the fact that the scariest thing to be haunted by is yourself—your past and your potential future(s).

    This beautiful play is a theatrical, mind-bending love story. It really drives home the fact that the scariest thing to be haunted by is yourself—your past and your potential future(s).

    ”
  • Unicorn Theatre: BlueShift by John J King
    “

    This play was a FINALIST for the 2017-2018 In-Progress New Play Reading Series at Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. It is our pleasure to support BLUESHIFT.

    This play was a FINALIST for the 2017-2018 In-Progress New Play Reading Series at Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. It is our pleasure to support BLUESHIFT.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • MARTHA
    An astrophysics nerd with mental health issues. 32 years old, black female.
    30s
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • DAMON
    Martha's beau; graphic designer who wants to be drawing comics. 26, white male.
    late 20's
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • JEAN
    A neighbor lady who likes tea, cross-stitching, and bridge. 60s, white female.
    60s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MARTHA-19
    “Young Black and Fabulous” meets “just jumped off a tall building.” 19-year-old black female. Doubles with “CHERIE.”
    19
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MARTHA-42
    Looks like she’s been drowned in a marsh for a week. Late 40’s, black female.
    42
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • CHERIE
    Interdimensional pancake tourist, Future-Style. Doubles with “MARTHA-19.”
    19
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Huntington Theatre Company, 2016

Awards

  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Semi-Finalist
    2018
  • In-Progress New Play Reading Series
    Unicorn Theatre, Kansas City, MS
    Finalist
    2018
  • New Play Festival
    Kitchen Dog Theatre, Dallas, TX
    Finalist
    2017
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugen O'Neill Theatre Center
    Finalist
    2016