The Language of the Unheard (previously Inutil)

by Alisha Espinosa

On the outskirts of a college town, Lucia and Liliana, two sisters, try to live together after Liliana is assaulted by a classmate. Xander Briggs, a local cop embroiled in recent incidents of police brutality, struggles with his responsibilities as an upholder of the law in these times. As she deals with Liliana's nightly disappearances, Lucia and Xander confront each other on the ground where a boy was...

On the outskirts of a college town, Lucia and Liliana, two sisters, try to live together after Liliana is assaulted by a classmate. Xander Briggs, a local cop embroiled in recent incidents of police brutality, struggles with his responsibilities as an upholder of the law in these times. As she deals with Liliana's nightly disappearances, Lucia and Xander confront each other on the ground where a boy was recently shot. Meanwhile Liliana has found a way to make her trauma useful, and no one's prepared for what she has in mind.

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The Language of the Unheard (previously Inutil)

Recommended by

  • Alexander Perez: The Language of the Unheard (previously Inutil)

    A visceral exploration of trauma, systemic violence, and the finer details that can be lost in the shuffle when looking at a bigger picture. A much needed portrayal of the impotent rage inside us all that burns ever brighter in the face of overarching injustice. Espinosa's fearless narrative challenges it's characters on a deep and personal level leading up to a climax that left my jaw on the floor. This is one for the books.

    A visceral exploration of trauma, systemic violence, and the finer details that can be lost in the shuffle when looking at a bigger picture. A much needed portrayal of the impotent rage inside us all that burns ever brighter in the face of overarching injustice. Espinosa's fearless narrative challenges it's characters on a deep and personal level leading up to a climax that left my jaw on the floor. This is one for the books.

  • Franky D. Gonzalez: The Language of the Unheard (previously Inutil)

    There have been so many beautiful things that have been said about The Language of the Unheard by the virtuosic Alisha Espinosa. It is timely (and sadly timeless). It explores trauma, the failed justice system, womanhood, black life, sexual assault and the great place of intersection for outrage and movement against all of the above: protest and art. Do not let the brevity deceive you. This play is packed full of commentary on so many social ills. You'll re-read it again and again and draw something new.

    There have been so many beautiful things that have been said about The Language of the Unheard by the virtuosic Alisha Espinosa. It is timely (and sadly timeless). It explores trauma, the failed justice system, womanhood, black life, sexual assault and the great place of intersection for outrage and movement against all of the above: protest and art. Do not let the brevity deceive you. This play is packed full of commentary on so many social ills. You'll re-read it again and again and draw something new.

  • Iraisa Ann Reilly: The Language of the Unheard (previously Inutil)

    "Have you ever been scared for so long that you forget what ease feels like," This line spoken by the character of Lilliana gets to the heart of what these characters are experiencing, and what 2020 made so glaringly obvious. This relevant play examines the complexities of trauma, police brutality, and the very real fear of just being in your own body (as a woman and/or black individual). I found myself holding my breath through so many scenes as I read. Espinosa uses the world of art to theatrically bring this story to life. Can't wait to see this performed.

    "Have you ever been scared for so long that you forget what ease feels like," This line spoken by the character of Lilliana gets to the heart of what these characters are experiencing, and what 2020 made so glaringly obvious. This relevant play examines the complexities of trauma, police brutality, and the very real fear of just being in your own body (as a woman and/or black individual). I found myself holding my breath through so many scenes as I read. Espinosa uses the world of art to theatrically bring this story to life. Can't wait to see this performed.

View all 10 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization LATEA, Year 2020
  • Type Workshop, Organization Drama League, Year 2016
  • Type Reading, Organization Between Us Productions, Year 2016

Awards