←Recommendations of Pilgrims

Read this play years ago and it wafts into my mind every now and then, like a sublime ghost floating in the deep reaches of space or the sterile white rooms of lonely ship. The dynamic between the characters is that perfect fusion of tender and terrifying, as you're never sure whose hurt will reveal itself and how, if they'll come together or destroy themselves or each other in some small or large way. The space exploration of Keichel's work is the galactic depth of heart rather than the stars, but that's hard enough. Can't wait to see it someday.

A lovely, thoughtful treatise on loneliness, connection, the (in)human condition. Even in the unanswered mysteries of this world, there is a normalcy and understanding that pervades throughout, a simplicity of communication and universal truth.

When all you have is each other in the midst of war, it makes for an intoxicating connection. The trauma, the circumstances, the uncertainty, and the questions all make for a riveting plot that leaves you hanging on every word. Great work!

As others have mentioned, this is a truly captivating and compelling play that takes you in from the start. The evolving and mysterious dynamic between and circumstances surrounding girl and soldier are endlessly intriguing! I found myself being swept up with the narrative and not getting bogged down in trying to constantly guess what was happening. That is a testament to the rich sci-fi world that Kiechel establishes with just a couple of characters. The details she provides about the circumstances of this world are well-chosen and rich. Haunting and stunning images abound! Produce this!

I have chills from reading this. Claire is easily becoming one of my new favorite playwrights. I haven't been this excited from a script in a long time. It's also a helluva time to be reading this during quarantine, but highly recommended! I hope there's a future where I get to see this performed!

I was sucked in the moment I began reading. Each character had a distinct voice, and the changing power dynamics really made the whole things come alive.

A phenomenal play. Absolutely enthralling - it pulls you into a world at once disconcertingly unfamiliar and simultaneously utterly recognizable. The relationship between Soldier and Girl fluidly changes dynamics, always engaging, always under high tension like a lava lamp filled with nitroglycerin. The ending left me stunned.

Beautiful, intimate piece that examines PTSD and war in a near-future setting that is both distant yet incredibly possible. Fascinating character dynamics.

This play gripped me and wouldn't let me go. One of the most powerful plays about PTSD in the context of science fiction I've ever read. At once heartpounding and deeply emotional, Claire Kiechel has a unique, distinct voice in theatre. I hope to see this play produced soon.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Claire Kiechel and their play Pilgrims as a finalist for our 2016 National Playwrights Conference. The play rose through a competitive, anonymous, multileveled selection process that took nearly nine months to execute. As one of 54 finalists out of more than 1,450 submissions, the strength of its writing has allowed this work to prosper in such a competitive selection process. Our readers especially responded to the dialogue's fluidity and sophistication.