Life on the Moon

by Anna Tatelman

Life on the Moon is a socio-political family drama about Spencer, a young infantryman in the U.S. army, returning home for Christmas to visit his parents and Piper, his eighteen-year-old sister with autism. As Spencer and his parents struggle to celebrate the holiday, it’s Piper who notices what everyone else misses, but is unable to communicate her observations or frustrations.

Life on the Moon is a socio-political family drama about Spencer, a young infantryman in the U.S. army, returning home for Christmas to visit his parents and Piper, his eighteen-year-old sister with autism. As Spencer and his parents struggle to celebrate the holiday, it’s Piper who notices what everyone else misses, but is unable to communicate her observations or frustrations.

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Life on the Moon

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant: Life on the Moon by Anna Tatelman
    “

    This play has a lovely combination of complex characters, timely issues, and great structure. It kept me engaged and intrigued as a reader, and I'm sure audiences would also be enthralled.

    This play has a lovely combination of complex characters, timely issues, and great structure. It kept me engaged and intrigued as a reader, and I'm sure audiences would also be enthralled.

    ”
  • Luke A. Habjan: Life on the Moon by Anna Tatelman
    “

    This play is a powerful piece that really highlights the importance of healthy communication in a family. Even if one member of the family has difficulty with communicating. As someone on the Autism Spectrum, it brings me great joy to see a play like this that really brings forth a uncommon topic in the theatre world. If you want to read a story that is heartwarming, thought-provoking, and an overall great read and play, then this play is the one for you.

    This play is a powerful piece that really highlights the importance of healthy communication in a family. Even if one member of the family has difficulty with communicating. As someone on the Autism Spectrum, it brings me great joy to see a play like this that really brings forth a uncommon topic in the theatre world. If you want to read a story that is heartwarming, thought-provoking, and an overall great read and play, then this play is the one for you.

    ”

Character Information

  • Spencer
    A young man in the U.S. army.
    20
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Piper
    Spencer's sister with autism. She always wears a watch, a GPS tracking bracelet, and at least one article of blue clothing. She also keeps her hair tied or clipped back from her face.
    18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Helen
    Spencer and Piper's mother. Aerospace engineer.
    50s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Bruce
    Spencer and Piper's father. Piper's full-time caregiver.
    50s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, University of New Orleans, 2021
  • Reading, Gallatin Theatre Troupe at New York University, 2014
  • Workshop, Playwriting at New York University, 2013

Production History

  • Community Theater, Baker Theater Workshop, 2025
  • Professional, Detroit Repertory Theatre, 2022
  • University, Inkslinger Playwriting Competition Winner Production at Southeastern Louisiana University, 2017
  • University, Gallatin Theatre Troupe at New York University, 2015

Awards

  • Featured in podcast The Subtext
    American Theatre Magazine
    Selection
    2020
  • Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting
    Association for Theatre in Higher Education
    Finalist
    2023
  • Playwriting Fellowship
    Meditative Writing
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • Best Male Monologues of 2023
    Smith & Kraus
    Selection
    2023
  • Play with Male Lead
    Southwest Theatre Productions
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • Inkslinger Playwriting Contest
    Southeastern Louisiana University
    Winner
    2017
  • New Play Competition
    Triad Shakes
    Winner
    2017