a witness

by Jordan Elizabeth Henry

Tacoma, Washington, 2010, after the state passed Death With Dignity. Billie, a sober Autistic woman teetering on the edge of the wagon, is a hospice nurse with a new patient: Chuck, a woman in the final stages of ALS. As the anniversary of the death of Billie's brother, Kosmo, approaches, Nathan, Kosmo's partner, is cartwheeling through Autistic burnout, totally devoid of executive function and hope. Meanwhile...

Tacoma, Washington, 2010, after the state passed Death With Dignity. Billie, a sober Autistic woman teetering on the edge of the wagon, is a hospice nurse with a new patient: Chuck, a woman in the final stages of ALS. As the anniversary of the death of Billie's brother, Kosmo, approaches, Nathan, Kosmo's partner, is cartwheeling through Autistic burnout, totally devoid of executive function and hope. Meanwhile, their friend, Des, demands answers about her relationship with Nathan as Chloe just happens to wander into their lives and disrupt everything.

A play about connection, detachment, and the power of having a witness to your life.

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a witness

Recommended by

  • Rhiannon Ling: a witness by Jordan Elizabeth Henry
    “

    Henry excels at balance. Her fluidity and pacing, her marriage of meditative and passionate, her tempo and drive, all lead to a play compelling in its exploration of grief, mourning, and the bravery required to move forward. I was pulled in from its first moments, and it held me until its last.

    Henry excels at balance. Her fluidity and pacing, her marriage of meditative and passionate, her tempo and drive, all lead to a play compelling in its exploration of grief, mourning, and the bravery required to move forward. I was pulled in from its first moments, and it held me until its last.

    ”
  • Sarah Tuft: a witness by Jordan Elizabeth Henry
    “

    Jordan Elizabeth Henry’s A WITNESS explores the terrain of grief, guilt, loss, and finally - courage - through its wholly unique, beautifully-drawn characters whose witty repartee leaps off the page and onto the stage. A wonderful testament to the power of forgiveness, especially of oneself...

    Jordan Elizabeth Henry’s A WITNESS explores the terrain of grief, guilt, loss, and finally - courage - through its wholly unique, beautifully-drawn characters whose witty repartee leaps off the page and onto the stage. A wonderful testament to the power of forgiveness, especially of oneself...

    ”
  • Samantha Marchant: a witness by Jordan Elizabeth Henry
    “

    I enjoyed getting to know each character and their tethers to each other and the world. The art show first scene is very compelling and a great introduction to the rest of the script.

    I enjoyed getting to know each character and their tethers to each other and the world. The art show first scene is very compelling and a great introduction to the rest of the script.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations

Development History

Awards

  • Recipient of the Max K. Lerner Fellowship
    Inkwell Theatre LAB
    2021