GRIT

by Nick Malakhow

FULL LENGTH: At Dunston-Hall Academy, Raymond Castillo, a returning junior, and Sasha Gomez, a new sophomore, meet and bond over being two of the "scholarship kids" at a mostly white boarding school, the stupid stuff their white hallmates say, feeling like fish out of water both at home and at DHA, and their passions for music and art. Their growing friendship is tested, however, when they must navigate a series...

FULL LENGTH: At Dunston-Hall Academy, Raymond Castillo, a returning junior, and Sasha Gomez, a new sophomore, meet and bond over being two of the "scholarship kids" at a mostly white boarding school, the stupid stuff their white hallmates say, feeling like fish out of water both at home and at DHA, and their passions for music and art. Their growing friendship is tested, however, when they must navigate a series of personal tragedies, uncomfortable revelations, and betrayals as the fall semester unfolds.
CW: sexual harassment, grief
(CURRENT DRAFT IN PROGRESS; I always welcome thoughts and feedback)

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GRIT

Recommended by

  • Luka Cruz: GRIT

    Deliciously painful, we get to see a budding friendship tested by the desire to fit in somewhere. The rhythm of their ever-evolving relationship moves so wonderfully! It's exciting! It's scary! Then it's heartbreaking! Brilliant.

    Deliciously painful, we get to see a budding friendship tested by the desire to fit in somewhere. The rhythm of their ever-evolving relationship moves so wonderfully! It's exciting! It's scary! Then it's heartbreaking! Brilliant.

  • Erin Malone Turner: GRIT

    WHOA. Such a complex & natural portrayal of teenage friendship, the terrifyingly constant presence of online madness, the isolation that can come with seeking better opportunities as POC, and the shame that can accompany hiding deep-seated truths about oneself. Sasha & Raymond's respective art forms fit them and their personalities so well. This play also depicts the injustice that is all-too-often snaking about within academia and its systems. Lovely characters and storytelling - I hope this play is produced far and wide!

    WHOA. Such a complex & natural portrayal of teenage friendship, the terrifyingly constant presence of online madness, the isolation that can come with seeking better opportunities as POC, and the shame that can accompany hiding deep-seated truths about oneself. Sasha & Raymond's respective art forms fit them and their personalities so well. This play also depicts the injustice that is all-too-often snaking about within academia and its systems. Lovely characters and storytelling - I hope this play is produced far and wide!

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: GRIT

    Ooooh this play! The dialogue just flies along and the characters sound so much like teenagers. ("Get the fuck off my nutsack, Mom" in particular made me laugh.) Nick Malakhow has a great ear for dialogue. I also love the way texts and other social media are projected onto the wall. This play is wonderful, and it's a perfect vehicle to draw in young people who don't think theater is for them.

    Ooooh this play! The dialogue just flies along and the characters sound so much like teenagers. ("Get the fuck off my nutsack, Mom" in particular made me laugh.) Nick Malakhow has a great ear for dialogue. I also love the way texts and other social media are projected onto the wall. This play is wonderful, and it's a perfect vehicle to draw in young people who don't think theater is for them.

View all 15 recommendations

Character Information

  • Sasha
    Latina. Her uniform is combat boots and an army jacket. Carries a guitar around with her when she can. Trusts people quickly.
    Character Age
    16
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Raymond
    Black, Latino. Wears flourishes of alterna-guy jewelry. His dad is Latino, but/so Raymond is not really connected to that heritage. Tries to impress.
    Character Age
    17
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Afro-Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Teatro Chelsea, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization Fuse Theatre, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization Playhouse on Park, Year 2020
  • Type Workshop, Organization Theatre@First, Year 2019

Awards

  • Princess Grace Award
    Princess Grace Foundation
    Finalist
    2021
  • Campfire Theatre Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2020