AN ESTUARY

by Nick Malakhow

FULL LENGTH: Lia wakes up on her couch to find that she's dead--or at least she thinks she is?--and is haunting her bereaved son, Isaac. She follows Isaac as he goes on a journey to learn about his secretive mother and tries to stop him from discovering demons from her past, but Lia is the one who is thrown for a loop when she realizes that following Isaac is unearthing truths she never knew. Current draft: 1/9...

FULL LENGTH: Lia wakes up on her couch to find that she's dead--or at least she thinks she is?--and is haunting her bereaved son, Isaac. She follows Isaac as he goes on a journey to learn about his secretive mother and tries to stop him from discovering demons from her past, but Lia is the one who is thrown for a loop when she realizes that following Isaac is unearthing truths she never knew. Current draft: 1/9/24

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AN ESTUARY

Recommended by

  • David Hilder: AN ESTUARY

    Just terrific. The tidal flow of the scenes, merging and colliding with each other, is entirely appropriate for a piece largely set in a kind of liminal space. I love the genuine surprise of the story's revelations, but just as much I appreciate that they don't feel outsized -- instead they feel beautifully knit into the play's fabric. I would love to see this play produced.

    Just terrific. The tidal flow of the scenes, merging and colliding with each other, is entirely appropriate for a piece largely set in a kind of liminal space. I love the genuine surprise of the story's revelations, but just as much I appreciate that they don't feel outsized -- instead they feel beautifully knit into the play's fabric. I would love to see this play produced.

  • John Mabey: AN ESTUARY

    This is a delicate and urgent story that unfolds at such expert pacing in AN ESTUARY by Nick Malakhow. The structure of this play is very dynamic as secrets are revealed and hard truths are explored without flinching away from the raw emotions underneath. I was especially taken with the character of Lia and how she's depicted with such complexity, especially as she's making discoveries at the same time as the audience. The dialogue is also incredibly beautiful and sharp at the same time, making this a piece that both moves and entertains.

    This is a delicate and urgent story that unfolds at such expert pacing in AN ESTUARY by Nick Malakhow. The structure of this play is very dynamic as secrets are revealed and hard truths are explored without flinching away from the raw emotions underneath. I was especially taken with the character of Lia and how she's depicted with such complexity, especially as she's making discoveries at the same time as the audience. The dialogue is also incredibly beautiful and sharp at the same time, making this a piece that both moves and entertains.

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: AN ESTUARY

    There are so many surprises in this lovely play! Every time I thought I knew where it was going, it went somewhere totally different. What a beautiful, bittersweet story about family and identity and lost opportunities. I loved it!

    There are so many surprises in this lovely play! Every time I thought I knew where it was going, it went somewhere totally different. What a beautiful, bittersweet story about family and identity and lost opportunities. I loved it!

View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

  • LIA (EMELIA)
    First generation, moved to Boston when she was 10 w/her mom. Stoic for most. Burning up inside.
    Character Age
    49
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • ISAAC
    Lia’s son. Multi-racial. Taking time off post high school to hopefully save up for college.
    Character Age
    20
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx/Multiethnic
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • MICHAEL
    A successful lawyer in Newton.
    Character Age
    60
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • PATRICE
    Michael’s wife, works at an educational nonprofit.
    Character Age
    55
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • FRANCESCA
    Lia’s mother. A woman of contradictions--sought to both “blend in” in the States but also bemoaned losing a cultural affinity space. Using oxygen and mobility assistance.
    Character Age
    70s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latina
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her

Development History