Safeword

by Jack MacCarthy

Lisa and Damien have a young son together, but live separately. She’s left their child with a sitter and invited Damien over tonight without telling him why. When she tells him she wants to enact a rape fantasy together, he’s hesitant at first, but soon warms up to the idea. What begins as a kinkier “Who’s on First” (“Stop!” “Really?” “No, not really!”) gives way to a night of lust, trust, and excavated trauma...

Lisa and Damien have a young son together, but live separately. She’s left their child with a sitter and invited Damien over tonight without telling him why. When she tells him she wants to enact a rape fantasy together, he’s hesitant at first, but soon warms up to the idea. What begins as a kinkier “Who’s on First” (“Stop!” “Really?” “No, not really!”) gives way to a night of lust, trust, and excavated trauma—with devastating consequences.

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Safeword

Recommended by

  • Evan Caccioppoli: Safeword by Jack MacCarthy
    “

    Working on Safeword was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. Jack's work is fearless and raw. Safeword needs to be seen by everyone.

    Working on Safeword was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. Jack's work is fearless and raw. Safeword needs to be seen by everyone.

    ”
  • Michael Kras: Safeword by Jack MacCarthy
    “

    Wow. I want so badly to read the whole thing. The 20 page excerpt offered here is some of the most gripping, challenging, stomach-churningly visceral playwriting I've read in a while. If the rest of the play following those 20 pages is this engrossing (and I very much believe it would be, and then some) it's very much looking into for anyone who wants to add some fire to their season.

    Wow. I want so badly to read the whole thing. The 20 page excerpt offered here is some of the most gripping, challenging, stomach-churningly visceral playwriting I've read in a while. If the rest of the play following those 20 pages is this engrossing (and I very much believe it would be, and then some) it's very much looking into for anyone who wants to add some fire to their season.

    ”
  • J.Stephen Brantley: Safeword by Jack MacCarthy
    “

    I broke a sweat reading this play. Truthful and terrifying, with wonderful roles for fearless actors.

    I broke a sweat reading this play. Truthful and terrifying, with wonderful roles for fearless actors.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, Dixon Place, 2016
  • Reading, Barefoot Theatre Company, 2015
  • Reading, Kid Brooklyn, 2014