←Recommendations of FAMILY BY NUMBERS Award-winning 10-minute drama

The story, dialogue, and poetry of FAMILY BY NUMBERS by Arianna Rose leaps off the page instantly. This is that perfect kind of play where the rhythms of the lines are so clear that you can visualize the production upon first reading. Arianna has a unique way of weaving the comedy with the drama at just the right moments, too. This is a special play so deserving of all the accolades it has received.

This emotional play explores the dynamics of a family facing tragedy. The numerical concept uniquely explores the changing dynamics and external impacts. Each character adds compelling dialogue while revealing their struggles and how they deal with them. In “Family by Numbers” by Arianne Rose, the simplicity of the set strips away all the outside conflicts and zeros in on the character’s words and struggles. It touches on themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family, making it a compelling story.

I can't believe I haven't already recommended this stunning piece of writing. When I first read FAMILY BY NUMBERS I was struck by the amount of story-telling that was to be found in a ten minute play; the simplicity of the set up and the depth of the drama; the emotional swings and roundabouts. It has everything and stays with you - it has with me - I cannot recommend Arianna Rose's elegant and heartfelt play enough - writing of the highest calibre.

Numbers are simple except when they aren't. Family is simple except it never is. This play gives us familyadding from one to five and then subtracting to four again--beautiful and poignant.

Family is complicated. Family is frustrating. This terrific and powerful play also confirms: family is beautiful.

Not surprising this play is so highly acclaimed. Arianna Rose has created a beautifully written, completely relatable, emotional family journey in just 10 minutes. I read this at the end of the o-bon season in Japan, when deceased family members return home. As a number 5, I can’t help but think my numbers 1, 2, and 3 wanted me to read this. I’m grateful.

The pain of loss and the changing numbers and positions in a family reveal a profound complexity of emotion in this beautifully poignant short play. Arianna Rose gives us a rollercoaster of anguish after a family member goes missing, and it’s heartbreakingly real. The theatrical and poetic style of the piece make it transcendent.

Stellar foreshadowing. Gave me chills and almost had me in tears by the end, all in ten short pages. Very impressive writing.

So much feeling and wisdom is packed into these ten rich pages. A family forms and endures through minor annoyances and major tragedy. The balance of humor and pathos is spot on. It is easy to see how this play has achieved such success and acclaim.

We’ve all been one. And if we’re lucky - 2. And more. The sparseness of the numbers belie the swelling emotions that grow as numbers increase and decrease. A beautiful rendering of family - lost and found.