Lost Sock Laundry

by Ivan Faute

The LOST SOCK LAUNDRY is not some free-wheeling joint with no order or expectations. There are rules and expectations about how you use the Maytag, how long you can use the dryer before you get looks, and who gets to save a machine for a friend. IRENE, a second-generation Greek-American, and MICAELA, a first-generation Mexican-American, often meet to trade stories, gossip, commiserate about their children, and...

The LOST SOCK LAUNDRY is not some free-wheeling joint with no order or expectations. There are rules and expectations about how you use the Maytag, how long you can use the dryer before you get looks, and who gets to save a machine for a friend. IRENE, a second-generation Greek-American, and MICAELA, a first-generation Mexican-American, often meet to trade stories, gossip, commiserate about their children, and sometimes wash laundry. When a new immigrant DINA from Lebanon starts frequenting the space, the two women slowly, and somewhat warily, befriend her. As their personal lives become entwined, they must all confront their understanding of identity, culture, and especially nationality. LOST SOCK LAUNDRY is an episodic exploration about how we forge friendships, identity, and a national culture.

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Lost Sock Laundry

Recommended by

  • Blair Russell: Lost Sock Laundry by Ivan Faute
    “

    A compelling, enjoyable, and satisfying play that is funny and touching in turn. Presents a great opportunity for a diverse women-led cast of performers in a contemporary piece that a broad audience can enjoy. Hits the mark for modern storytelling and the types of shows we should be presenting.

    A compelling, enjoyable, and satisfying play that is funny and touching in turn. Presents a great opportunity for a diverse women-led cast of performers in a contemporary piece that a broad audience can enjoy. Hits the mark for modern storytelling and the types of shows we should be presenting.

    ”
  • Tim Errickson: Lost Sock Laundry by Ivan Faute
    “

    This is a marvelous gem of a play, full of subtle humor and real pathos. Very excited to see this in a full production. I had the great good fortune to see a reading for TRU, and was really thrilled with how much joy and humanity existed amongst these characters. So much potential here, and any theatre lucky enough to mount a production has a tremendous win on their hands.

    This is a marvelous gem of a play, full of subtle humor and real pathos. Very excited to see this in a full production. I had the great good fortune to see a reading for TRU, and was really thrilled with how much joy and humanity existed amongst these characters. So much potential here, and any theatre lucky enough to mount a production has a tremendous win on their hands.

    ”
  • Maximillian Gill: Lost Sock Laundry by Ivan Faute
    “

    I love the location specificity of this piece. It could only take place in Astoria, Queens, yet it could take place anywhere in America. The characters are all richly detailed and the dialogue grounded and true to the variety of perspectives and stories.

    I love the location specificity of this piece. It could only take place in Astoria, Queens, yet it could take place anywhere in America. The characters are all richly detailed and the dialogue grounded and true to the variety of perspectives and stories.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
IRENE: 30-something year old, second-generation Greek-American. She wears casual but nice clothes, often a tad gaudy and inappropriate for the laundromat.
DINA: 30-something year old, recent immigrant from Lebanon. She wears jeans, a blouse and a hijab.
MICAELA: 30-something year old, first-generation Mexican-American. She wears very casual clothes, often sweats.
KELVIN: 16-year-old son of MICAELA and JORGE
SANA: 14-year-old daughter of DINA
MAN plays JORGE: Husband of MICAELA, always wears work overalls or Carhartt.
ARAM: Manager of laundry, wears jeans and a sweater that are out of date.
ERIC: Boyfriend of IRENE, wears a shiny suit.

Development History

  • Reading, TRU Voices New Play Reading, 2023
  • Reading, OnStage! Festival, Italy, 2021
  • Residency, Clamour Theatre Company, 2019
  • Workshop, Sprout Works, 2019
  • Reading, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, 2019

Production History

  • Professional, UP Theater, 2024

Awards

  • OnStage Award
    OnStage! Festival
    Winner
    2020