Babel

by Jacqueline Goldfinger

“Babel” is a dark comedy set in the near future. Two couples are having trouble getting pregnant and the lengths they go to in order to have a baby raises the specter of eugenics, explores the societal value of a baby, and asks us what we are willing to risk for love. If you like Booker’s “Black Mirror,” Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” or Haley’s “The Nether,” then this play is for you. It requires four characters...

“Babel” is a dark comedy set in the near future. Two couples are having trouble getting pregnant and the lengths they go to in order to have a baby raises the specter of eugenics, explores the societal value of a baby, and asks us what we are willing to risk for love. If you like Booker’s “Black Mirror,” Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” or Haley’s “The Nether,” then this play is for you. It requires four characters (3F,1M) and a flexile set.

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Babel

Recommended by

  • Sophie McIntosh: Babel by Jacqueline Goldfinger
    “

    Darkly comedic feminist sci-fi theatre is all I could ever ask for, and this play delivers so exquisitely. It's such a joy to explore passionate, intense female characters who are allowed to go to such extreme lengths.

    Darkly comedic feminist sci-fi theatre is all I could ever ask for, and this play delivers so exquisitely. It's such a joy to explore passionate, intense female characters who are allowed to go to such extreme lengths.

    ”
  • Kyle Smith: Babel by Jacqueline Goldfinger
    “

    I saw this play at CATF in West Virginia, and am so happy I did. This play addressed questions that have persistently been in the mind of the disabled community with humor, tenderness and hope. Well done.

    I saw this play at CATF in West Virginia, and am so happy I did. This play addressed questions that have persistently been in the mind of the disabled community with humor, tenderness and hope. Well done.

    ”
  • Emma S. Rund: Babel by Jacqueline Goldfinger
    “

    I'm not usually a fan of science fiction or dystopian plays, but Babel achieved a level of realism that many science-fiction plays lack. The poetic language delivered just enough information for me to understand the world without overdoing the exposition. Very thought-provoking and reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode.

    I'm not usually a fan of science fiction or dystopian plays, but Babel achieved a level of realism that many science-fiction plays lack. The poetic language delivered just enough information for me to understand the world without overdoing the exposition. Very thought-provoking and reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode.

    ”
View all 54 recommendations

Development History

Production History

  • Professional, Redtwist Theatre, 2023
  • University, Carnegie Mellon University, 2023
  • Professional, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, 2022
  • Professional, The Constructivists , 2022
  • Professional, Passage Theatre, 2021
  • Professional, Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre, 2021

Awards

  • Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts
    Selection
    2017
  • The Kilroy's List
    Selection
    2019
  • Nominee
    Blackburn Prize
    2019
  • Generations New Play Award
    Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company
    Winner
    2018
  • Smith Prize for Political Theatre
    Winner
    2017