the bandaged place

by Harrison David Rivers

Struggling to recover after an assault, Jonah realizes the only way to heal is by mending the relationships with his family.

Struggling to recover after an assault, Jonah realizes the only way to heal is by mending the relationships with his family.

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the bandaged place

Recommended by

  • Malcolm King: the bandaged place by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    This play is rich with complex characters navigating trauma and the search for new love. I was especially moved by the character Jonah, who's a single father trying to do right by his daughter, and a dancer, in rehabilitation, trying to find his way back to his art. It will break your heart to read, but what a ride it will be.

    This play is rich with complex characters navigating trauma and the search for new love. I was especially moved by the character Jonah, who's a single father trying to do right by his daughter, and a dancer, in rehabilitation, trying to find his way back to his art. It will break your heart to read, but what a ride it will be.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: the bandaged place by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    A play about love and family and dealing with past wounds.

    A play about love and family and dealing with past wounds.

    ”
  • Audrey Lang: the bandaged place by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    What a beautiful, tender play about finding healthy ways to love and to be loved. I did not want the play to end because I genuinely did not want my time with these complicated, tug-at-your-heartstrings characters to end. Each one is so skillfully rendered, each line and action is vital in leading the reader through this gorgeous and moving story. I would absolutely love to see this play performed onstage.

    What a beautiful, tender play about finding healthy ways to love and to be loved. I did not want the play to end because I genuinely did not want my time with these complicated, tug-at-your-heartstrings characters to end. Each one is so skillfully rendered, each line and action is vital in leading the reader through this gorgeous and moving story. I would absolutely love to see this play performed onstage.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Jonah Irby
    He is ELLA’S biological father, but not her legal guardian.
    He is a dancer.
    Bowed, but not broken.

    20s
    African / African American / Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Geraldine Irby
    JONAH’S grandmother and ELLA’S great grandmother and legal guardian.
    A mama bear.
    50-70s
    African / African American / Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ella Irby
    JONAH’S daughter.
    She is a dancer.
    Wise beyond her years.
    8-10
    African / African American / Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sam Yates
    ELLA’S ballet instructor.
    Stronger than they look.
    20s
    Any (but probably white)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Ruben Torres
    JONAH’s ex-boyfriend.
    Sexy as fuck.
    20-30s
    Any (but probably white)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Roundabout, 2020
  • Reading, New York Stage & Film, 2019
  • Reading, New Group, 2019
  • Workshop, The Playwrights' Center, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Roundabout Theatre Company, 2022
  • Workshop, New York Stage & Film, 2019

Awards

  • Relentless Award
    American Playwriting Foundation
    Winner
    2018