bad things happen here

by Eric Marlin

​The nation has never been healthier. Crime is down. Streets are clean. Civility reigns. But out of the corner of your eye, you might catch a glimpse of the men keeping things orderly. In a series of brief, enigmatic scenes, two women take us into the heart of a nation that has been disciplined by violence,

​The nation has never been healthier. Crime is down. Streets are clean. Civility reigns. But out of the corner of your eye, you might catch a glimpse of the men keeping things orderly. In a series of brief, enigmatic scenes, two women take us into the heart of a nation that has been disciplined by violence,

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bad things happen here

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: bad things happen here

    Structurally speaking, this piece is fascinating in the way it builds an entire world out of two-person scenes. This would be an excellent vehicle for two versatile actors. The speculative theatrical reality that Marlin builds feels like a sibling to the allegorical, war-torn world of Caryl Churchill's "Far Away" but, in this piece, we see a broader and more nuanced spectrum of humans. It is at turns lyrical, poignant, and unsettling. Marlin has written some incredible stage images here with distinct clarity, while also leaving much of the vision up to the creative production team that stages...

    Structurally speaking, this piece is fascinating in the way it builds an entire world out of two-person scenes. This would be an excellent vehicle for two versatile actors. The speculative theatrical reality that Marlin builds feels like a sibling to the allegorical, war-torn world of Caryl Churchill's "Far Away" but, in this piece, we see a broader and more nuanced spectrum of humans. It is at turns lyrical, poignant, and unsettling. Marlin has written some incredible stage images here with distinct clarity, while also leaving much of the vision up to the creative production team that stages this piece!

  • Cheryl Bear: bad things happen here

    Terrifying insight into what can happen when you see a nation disciplined by violence. Well done.

    Terrifying insight into what can happen when you see a nation disciplined by violence. Well done.

  • Patricia Milton: bad things happen here

    Such dread is generated by these short, spare scenes. Terrific use of language, creating edge-of-the-seat suspense and engagement. Well done!

    Such dread is generated by these short, spare scenes. Terrific use of language, creating edge-of-the-seat suspense and engagement. Well done!

View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Public Theater, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization PTP/NYC, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Play Date at Pete's, Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Fringe, Organization Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Year 2018
  • Type University, Organization University of Iowa, Year 2017

Awards

  • PlayPenn
    Semi-Finalist
    2017
  • Berliner Festspiele Stuckemarkt
    Finalist
    2019