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

  • 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.

    ”
  • Gina Femia: Safeword by Jack MacCarthy
    “

    I am in awe of this play. It's powerful, biting, funny and heartbreaking. My wish is for it to be a part of every season in America.

    I am in awe of this play. It's powerful, biting, funny and heartbreaking. My wish is for it to be a part of every season in America.

    ”

Development History

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