←Recommendations of 153

I can only imagine the magical experience of watching this play unfold as an audience member - the confusion dawning into understanding as the dialogue reveals who these characters are, the abstraction giving way to profound specificity. One of Martin's gifts is using that sublime specificity to create painfully relatable characters. This piece is incredibly theatrical while remaining simple to stage, making it an accessible piece for any ensemble. Plus, the messages it imparts about regret and transformation and perspective are impactful and absolutely necessary. What a gorgeous, efficient metaphor. What a beautiful play!

The journey to self-forgiveness can be convoluted and difficult. It is a journey richly illustrated in this moving short play. Each character is a clear and compelling reflection of their age and the ultimate reconciliation among the three ages is most satisfying.

This play really stole my heart in the best magical ways. 153 by Steven Martin is a gem that shines differently throughout, each page a new revelation and insight for both the characters and ourselves. A mix of poetic dialogue and cathartic imagery makes this play so very special and a delight to both read and watch.

Beautiful short piece on self-love, forgiveness, and knowing that it will get better.

Such a beautiful read in such a small package. Can’t wait to try reading it out loud with others

A beautiful gem about the passage of time, the journey of life, regrets, memories, and the possibilities of growth

A meditation on identity, regret, and mortality that’s both melancholic and ultimately hopeful. Martin’s sincerity and vulnerability make 153 especially poignant; it’s clear that this piece comes straight from the heart. It offers exciting opportunities for a director to go all out with maiden/mother/crone imagery (or whatever you call it when it’s a guy) and make bold creative choices.

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on the fighting of the old, but on building the new." These words of Socrates hit me as we encounter a man coming face to face with parts of himself on the journey of life. The perspective-taking will leave you reflecting on your own life and how we have come to where we are... thank you for this beautiful play Steven G. Martin.

A fascinating examination of the regrets we carry with us and the difficulties we have with simply forgiving ourselves for a host of bad choices. It's existential, clever, and very, very human. I experienced this script for the first time in a Zoom presentation and did not know where it was going, which felt like the best way to go into it. I was surprised and pleased when I realized the central conceit.

We are all made up of our past, our present, and our future. Martin eloquently explores the “three ages of man” with depth and insight as different incarnations of the same man converse, argue, and weight the choices and mistakes he has made. Against the backdrop of a journey through a barren landscape, 153 is both unencumbered and universal in its message, even as Martin finds telling details to delineate the specifics of this particular life. A recent online production by Winding Road Theatre Ensemble incorporated stark visuals and memorable music to underscore Martin’s thought-provoking vision.