Drift

by Patrick Gabridge

The lives of very different farming families intertwine after a deadly pesticide accident. As two wives find themselves caught between holding on to what was lost and moving forward, Drift finds dark poetry in how we relate to the land around us and how we grow food in contemporary America.

The lives of very different farming families intertwine after a deadly pesticide accident. As two wives find themselves caught between holding on to what was lost and moving forward, Drift finds dark poetry in how we relate to the land around us and how we grow food in contemporary America.

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Drift

Recommended by

  • Talya Kingston: Drift

    A brilliant poetic depiction of grief as mirrored in the rhythms of farming life. Throughout a season we see the strength it takes a family to survive in a new community that doesn't accept them. Haunting.

    A brilliant poetic depiction of grief as mirrored in the rhythms of farming life. Throughout a season we see the strength it takes a family to survive in a new community that doesn't accept them. Haunting.

  • Cheryl Bear: Drift

    A moving glimpse into the lives of the Americans who farm our land and are struggling with grief as well as the next steps forward. Powerful and definitely will leave it's mark.

    A moving glimpse into the lives of the Americans who farm our land and are struggling with grief as well as the next steps forward. Powerful and definitely will leave it's mark.

  • Debbie Lamedman: Drift

    This play is beautiful, poetic, and heartbreaking. Gabridge takes us by the hand and leads us into the depths of this family’s grief. The story unfolds in a succinct and theatrical way, allowing all our senses to fully come alive. We experience each distinct season on the farm and get caught up in the tragedy of this broken, grieving family and the dilemma of how to grow sustainable produce. Fantastic roles for four strong actors!

    This play is beautiful, poetic, and heartbreaking. Gabridge takes us by the hand and leads us into the depths of this family’s grief. The story unfolds in a succinct and theatrical way, allowing all our senses to fully come alive. We experience each distinct season on the farm and get caught up in the tragedy of this broken, grieving family and the dilemma of how to grow sustainable produce. Fantastic roles for four strong actors!

View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

MOLLY BENZA. 55. White.

JAMAL BENZA. 23. Black.

CALLIE BENZA. 25. Multi-racial in background–a woman of color, but perhaps not easily pigeon-holed into a standard American racial category.

NORA DAVIDSON. 58. White.
  • Callie Benza
    Molly and Jane's adoptive daughter. Very multi-racial in background--a woman of color, but perhaps not
    easily pigeon-holed into a standard American racial category. A graduate student, avid gardener, and possible future farmer.
    Character Age
    25
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    BIPOC
    Character Gender Identity
    Female,
    pakichothegubruche
  • Nora Davidson
    Long-time resident of this town. Was married to part-time farmer John for 36 years, before he died in a pesticide exposure accident. Works in town--she's not a farmer.
    Character Age
    58
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Female
  • Molly Benza
    A relatively new but enthusiastic and committed organic farmer (very small scale farm). Mother to
    Jamal and Callie. Was married to Jane, who is now dead, from Clomazone poisoning. She often wears a harvest knife on her belt and always dresses in her farm clothes.
    Character Age
    55
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Jamal Benza
    Molly and Jane's adoptive son. Black. A
    cameraman/videographer. Not interested in farming.
    Character Age
    23
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American / Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Royal Pain Shakespeare, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Munroe Center for the Arts, Lexington, MA, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Year 2017
  • Type Workshop, Organization Huntington Theatre Company, Year 2016