←Recommendations of Default

Although it is set in 2004, Ken Love's play touches on issues prevalent today--including an aging politician hanging on to power. In a close election for the U.S. Senate, the young, Black, female challenger has a very personal weapon that could destroy the old, white incumbent. Audiences will figure it out pretty early on, but the question is whether, in a close campaign, will she use her information or not. Will she go high, or go low. An excellent, timely play with six memorable characters.

Ken Love has created a whip-smart drama that shows us how the "political" and the "personal" are often two sides of the same coin. With its cleverly plotted structure, brisk pacing and pitch-perfect dialogue, DEFAULT hits home on multiple levels -- intellectually, emotionally and morally. Bravo!

Political, social and domestic intrigue are astutely drawn in this very big play. I saw a reading at the Valdez Theatre Conference, and at times felt like I was at a political rally, at other times privy to back stage gossip. Potent characters, with a story that tackles race relations and politics in an intriguing and powerful way.

A sprawling, epic play where deep familial intrigue and dark secrets are interwoven into a politically charged world - the conflict between Barker and Esther hits on every level and is delightfully complicated by their hidden connection. There's lots to explore here!

Ken Love has written an engrossing and conspicuously potent play. Given its ambitious storyline, I still don't quite understand how he managed to pull it off. The dramatic momentum of the piece is one of its most evident virtues, but perhaps Mr. Love's most impressive feat is his depiction of the politicos who inhabit this play; he captures all the stereotypes they embody -- but without rendering them stereotypically. How I would love to see this play on its feet.

Politics, on a national, familial, and personal level, are given a workout in this astute drama from Ken Love, which tackles the thorny issue of race-relations in a battle to the death for a senate seat between a young African American Republican Woman, and the Democratic incumbent who's held his seat for more than 40 years. The play pulls no punches; it aims for the gut and lands with force. Great roles for older actors.