The After

by Erin Osgood

NEW DRAFT 9/1/21 (Full-length). A love story set 30 years in the future, The After is a very exciting, relevant, edge of your seat thrill ride. In a world with walls, government control of everyday life, and continued racism, Amira searches for the truth about her parents’ death at the same time trying to survive the new reality in America. Because of her parents’ alleged crimes as members of the Oppo, Amira...

NEW DRAFT 9/1/21 (Full-length). A love story set 30 years in the future, The After is a very exciting, relevant, edge of your seat thrill ride. In a world with walls, government control of everyday life, and continued racism, Amira searches for the truth about her parents’ death at the same time trying to survive the new reality in America. Because of her parents’ alleged crimes as members of the Oppo, Amira finds herself the target of the Sector Police’s investigations every time an attack against the government occurs. She tries to keep her head down with the help of her adopted family - other survivors who have no other loved ones. Amira meets a new SP, Officer Mitchell, who surprises her with his genuine interest in helping others. Mitchell is able to break through Amira’s defenses and earns her trust. He passes on information that highlights the truth about her parents. At the same time, a deeper connection is made that neither Amira nor Mitchell can avoid. Amira is surrounded by secrets and lies from her adopted family that continue to be revealed throughout the course of the play. Each secret is devastating and very well may bring an end to life as she knows it.

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The After

Recommended by

  • Sam Baird: The After by Erin Osgood
    “

    I was so pulled into the story I read the entire script in just over a half-hour. I had to know what was going to happen next. The twists and turns were not even close to predictable. I loved it! This script is so relevant right now. The end of the play creates a great opportunity for further discussion of the topics after the end of the script. The best plays are the ones that start the conversations, not end them. This is definitely a conversation-starting script.

    I was so pulled into the story I read the entire script in just over a half-hour. I had to know what was going to happen next. The twists and turns were not even close to predictable. I loved it! This script is so relevant right now. The end of the play creates a great opportunity for further discussion of the topics after the end of the script. The best plays are the ones that start the conversations, not end them. This is definitely a conversation-starting script.

    ”
  • Beth Blickers: The After by Erin Osgood
    “

    I read this for #BAPF2021 and the playwright is absolutely correct in saying it's an edge of your seat thrill ride. It starts with a bang and twists and turns and reveals secrets right to the end. It's absolutely relevant to the moment we're living in but through a futuristic lens that makes it a great choice for theaters looking to engage with societal ills with some distance. It ultimately asks a big question about whether this is the future of the US and on which side of the equation we'll find ourselves.

    I read this for #BAPF2021 and the playwright is absolutely correct in saying it's an edge of your seat thrill ride. It starts with a bang and twists and turns and reveals secrets right to the end. It's absolutely relevant to the moment we're living in but through a futuristic lens that makes it a great choice for theaters looking to engage with societal ills with some distance. It ultimately asks a big question about whether this is the future of the US and on which side of the equation we'll find ourselves.

    ”

Character Information

  • Ben
    Sees good in all people. Uses humor to diffuse situations. Has a secret of his own.
    20s-30s
    African American
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Millie
    Bubbly, naive. Love of knowledge and books.
    20s-30s
    White
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Mitchell
    Sector Police. Truly wants to help the public. Enamored with AMIRA.
    30-40
    White
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Peck
    Sector Police. Gruff, narcissistic, superiority complex.
    40-60
    White
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Amira (Amie)
    The safety of her family is most important to her. Comes across as cold and apathetic but it really is a coping mechanism from her past losses.
    30-40
    Egyptian American/MENA
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Zak (Zakariyya)
    Very protective of AMIRA. Full of secrets, including his love of AMIRA.
    30-40
    Middle Eastern
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Wild Imaginings' EPHIPHANIES New Work Festival, 2021
  • Reading, Quarantine Players Guild, 2020

Awards

  • Semi-Finalist
    The Depot
    2022
  • Garry Marshall Theatre's New Works Festival
    Garry Marshall Theatre
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • Epiphanies New Works Festival
    Wild Imaginings
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • Quarterfinalist
    ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest
    2020