Whirlpool

by Jonathan Edmondson

Memories come flooding back when, after not speaking for years, Caleb and Blake reconnect at a party in the same small town that brought them together. Weaving in and out of time from high school to present day, they revisit pivotal moments in their lives to try and make sense of a shattered relationship. By examining key elements of adolescent friendship and exploration of sexuality, "Whirlpool" takes an...

Memories come flooding back when, after not speaking for years, Caleb and Blake reconnect at a party in the same small town that brought them together. Weaving in and out of time from high school to present day, they revisit pivotal moments in their lives to try and make sense of a shattered relationship. By examining key elements of adolescent friendship and exploration of sexuality, "Whirlpool" takes an honest look at a complicated time and questions our ability - or inability - to move on from our past.

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Whirlpool

Recommended by

  • Barry Smoot: Whirlpool

    It is so difficult for a writer to be restrained when addressing such intricate issues. What really strikes me about this play is that the relationship between these two men has been rendered with such clarity by the simplest of exchanges. The play's non-linear approach really hightens the sense of longing and loss that permeates this beautifully written two-hander. The right actors in these roles would make this really powerful exploration of adoration and lament truly sing. Highly recommended.

    It is so difficult for a writer to be restrained when addressing such intricate issues. What really strikes me about this play is that the relationship between these two men has been rendered with such clarity by the simplest of exchanges. The play's non-linear approach really hightens the sense of longing and loss that permeates this beautifully written two-hander. The right actors in these roles would make this really powerful exploration of adoration and lament truly sing. Highly recommended.

  • Jake Kantrowitz: Whirlpool

    Beautifully honest and grounded in its styling, this story dives deep into the world of queer awakenings and toxic masculinity. This play left me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

    Beautifully honest and grounded in its styling, this story dives deep into the world of queer awakenings and toxic masculinity. This play left me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

  • DC Cathro: Whirlpool

    Unsettling, funny, sweet, painful, and an intimate glimpse into friendship and young love gone wrong. The story is well told in non-linear fashion, giving the reader both history and foreshadowing as they weave the full story together. Great roles for two actors. Beautiful work.

    Unsettling, funny, sweet, painful, and an intimate glimpse into friendship and young love gone wrong. The story is well told in non-linear fashion, giving the reader both history and foreshadowing as they weave the full story together. Great roles for two actors. Beautiful work.

View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

Two male-identifying folx; actors must play characters from age 14 to 24, and back again.
  • Caleb Simmons
  • Blake Henderson

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Rowan University, Year 2024
  • Type Fringe, Organization The Iron Factory - Philadelphia, PA, Year 2020
  • Type Fringe, Organization Jersey Fringe Festival, Year 2019