The Art of Longing

by Lisa Langford

The Art of Longing fashions a world where dreams and reality interpenetrate each other. The play follows the lives of six “third-shift” people—those who guard and take care while the rest of us sleep. The characters’ secrets mask deeply held yearnings that manifest in fantastical abilities and anatomical switch-ups. Race, gender and the nature of art are at the focal point of this piece.

The Art of Longing fashions a world where dreams and reality interpenetrate each other. The play follows the lives of six “third-shift” people—those who guard and take care while the rest of us sleep. The characters’ secrets mask deeply held yearnings that manifest in fantastical abilities and anatomical switch-ups. Race, gender and the nature of art are at the focal point of this piece.

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The Art of Longing

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Art of Longing by Lisa Langford
    “

    A wonderful concept that leads to an incredible exploration of the connection between three security guards and the art they protect. Beautifully done!

    A wonderful concept that leads to an incredible exploration of the connection between three security guards and the art they protect. Beautifully done!

    ”
  • Megan Ann Jacobs: The Art of Longing by Lisa Langford
    “

    I absolutely love the concept that Langford brings to life. The 'third-shift' life is a culture of its own and Langford beautifully brings this world to life and the sacrifices and the "fantastical" twists with her amazing poetic language. I would love to see this staged. I see why it is an award-winning piece.

    I absolutely love the concept that Langford brings to life. The 'third-shift' life is a culture of its own and Langford beautifully brings this world to life and the sacrifices and the "fantastical" twists with her amazing poetic language. I would love to see this staged. I see why it is an award-winning piece.

    ”
  • Raymond Bobgan: The Art of Longing by Lisa Langford
    “

    Poetic and visionary this work pulls the audience into a dream like journey into the minds of three security guards interwoven with the works of art they protect. The Art of Longing seems to emerge form the tradition of Derek Walcott, Jose Rivera, and Addrienne Kennedy in its bold aesthetic and departure from the naturalistic plays that dominate our field. Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to be producing this gorgeous play.

    Poetic and visionary this work pulls the audience into a dream like journey into the minds of three security guards interwoven with the works of art they protect. The Art of Longing seems to emerge form the tradition of Derek Walcott, Jose Rivera, and Addrienne Kennedy in its bold aesthetic and departure from the naturalistic plays that dominate our field. Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to be producing this gorgeous play.

    ”

Production History

  • Professional, Cleveland Public Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s 2017 National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2017
  • Leslie Scalapino Award for Innovative Women Performance Writers
    The Relationship
    Finalist
    2018