Empathy

by Rachel Luann Strayer

TEN-MINUTE PLAY. In the wake of terrible news, Imogen can't understand why her husband continues to open and close their refrigerator door while refusing to eat anything, why he won't shower or pick up a knife, or why he shudders when the water turns on. If she learns the truth, will she empathize with what he's suffering? And is that what she really wants? First commissioned and performed by Gaslight Theatre...

TEN-MINUTE PLAY. In the wake of terrible news, Imogen can't understand why her husband continues to open and close their refrigerator door while refusing to eat anything, why he won't shower or pick up a knife, or why he shudders when the water turns on. If she learns the truth, will she empathize with what he's suffering? And is that what she really wants? First commissioned and performed by Gaslight Theatre Company as part of their PlayRoom Series.

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Empathy

Recommended by

  • Michael Aman: Empathy by Rachel Luann Strayer
    “

    The play shows a consistency of tone through creating a tense through-line from the first moment to the last. I highly recommend it.

    The play shows a consistency of tone through creating a tense through-line from the first moment to the last. I highly recommend it.

    ”

Character Information

Two "masked men" are described in the stage directions, but the actions can be performed by any person of any gender. It is also possible to have only one masked assailant instead of two.
  • Mark
    40-69
    Any
    Male / Male Identifying
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Imogen
    40-69
    Any
    Female / Female Identifying
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Bud
    20+
    Any
    Male / Male Identifying
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Masked Assailant(s)
    18+
    Any
    Any gender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Production History

  • Community Theater, Gaslight Theatre Company, 2012