←Recommendations of "DARK MATTER"- A Ten-Minute Science Fiction Drama

Part dystopian comedy, part sci-fi parable, Donald Loftus' "Dark Matter" stands comfortably, in my opinion, beside Edwards Albee's "Seascape" as a futuristic/absurdist commentary that will never exceed its time. I would love to see this piece in performance. Once again, well done, Mr. Loftus!

One of the more unique sci fi plays I've had the pleasure to read, and that's saying something. On its own, the play works as a subtle satire of veddy British couples from a certain time period and then you're reminded that you're in a gloriously realized sci fi world (no mean feat for a short!) and the stakes are quickly raised. I loved the turns of phrase that populate this work. It's an enjoyable experience on many levels.

I'm a huge sci-fi fan, especially when it's set in the past. And in DARK MATTER by Donald Loftus, it starts with such a wonderful slow burn of sharp comedy that builds into something deep and ominous moment by moment. The comedy turns dark in exciting ways and I also loved how this play casts a spotlight on midcentury gender dynamics as this couple figures out each other as well as those who are watching them.

What begins as an absurdist drawing-room comedy gradually evolves into a bleak dystopia of captivity and psychological control. This play is perfect for those who prefer their domestic comedies tinged with existential dread.

I love the way this play begins with such a strong "kitchen sink" sensibility, with just enough of the uncanny valley to signal to careful readers that SOMETHING is up. Those delectable breadcrumbs are just enough to keep you perched on the edge of your seat as the colorful protagonists reveal the truth behind their odd circumstances! As goofy as it begins, it does ask a lot of thought-provoking questions, namely: would you choose a short, happy life or a long, miserable one... and what IS happiness, anyway? I love the creepy and abrupt ending! Spectacular sci-fi for the stage!

I love this piece!! Bright, funny dialogue (Don Loftus style!!) and a creepy sci-fi situation that sneaks up on you slowly but surely...

Character and dialogue take center stage at the beginning of Donald Loftus's short play. What I especially enjoy about "Dark Matter - a Ten Minute Sci-Fi Play," however, is the shift in tone Loftus creates and the audience has to puzzle what seems wrong and why: backstory and story will grab their attention. I also love that Loftus doesn't tease the audience very long, and what began a lightly comic character study turns into horror, and consequences become of the utmost importance.

There is a lot in these 10 minutes. "Dark Matter" would absolutely engross an audience.

A fantastic play - sharp, witty banter that conceals a growing sense of unease. The realization that something is terribly, terribly wrong with this couple - and their world - is built so gradually and so cleverly that you don't even realize it's there until - like the characters - it is too late. It's an absolute delight - and perhaps would be more insidious in an evening of plays about relationships rather than one about horror - although it will land powerfully either way!

I admire how the tone, pace, theme, and characterizations all work together in DARK MATTER - to create a unified effect - as if a future drug were taking hold of you the reader just as it has with the happy Palmer. The ornate and somehow familiar nicknames he has for Marion are delightful and eerie as well. Donald Loftus makes perfect use of a vision of the future that draws from the past, something old and something new, as we float through an ingenious, disturbing simulacrum that begins to feel way too close to home and then it's over.

This play at times runs like a skipping record, and effectively so -- There are sticking points for the characters in the dialogue, and for the reader as well. What is it that underlies Palmer's satisfaction? What breeds Marion's discontent? And what do "THEY" have to do with it?

DARK MATTER accomplishes, in less than 10 minutes, a more concise and better executed take on We Happy Few's mid-century dystopia. It is chilling and just as you think you know what's going on, you're left with a tantalizing surprise. Excellent work!