Martin's Treehouse

by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons

FULL-LENGTH: Martin's dad has recently died, leaving Martin with an unfinished treehouse. He wants more than anything to prove that he can finish the project alone, but his new friend insists that they could use help. Through imaginative play, the two of them are able to work through Martin's trauma of his dad's death and even accomplish more than they thought possible.

FULL-LENGTH: Martin's dad has recently died, leaving Martin with an unfinished treehouse. He wants more than anything to prove that he can finish the project alone, but his new friend insists that they could use help. Through imaginative play, the two of them are able to work through Martin's trauma of his dad's death and even accomplish more than they thought possible.

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Martin's Treehouse

Recommended by

  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: Martin's Treehouse by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    “

    There is so much going on in this play that is fascinating to me. Dina/Elliot represents so much about how our imaginations and creativity can help us process difficult topics - death, gender, sexuality - both as children and adults. That theme is beautifully nuanced and woven authentically throughout. I also appreciated the characters’ balance of wisdom and innocence, which rang true and was wonderful to experience. The dialogue is tack-sharp, terrific pacing.

    There is so much going on in this play that is fascinating to me. Dina/Elliot represents so much about how our imaginations and creativity can help us process difficult topics - death, gender, sexuality - both as children and adults. That theme is beautifully nuanced and woven authentically throughout. I also appreciated the characters’ balance of wisdom and innocence, which rang true and was wonderful to experience. The dialogue is tack-sharp, terrific pacing.

    ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: Martin's Treehouse by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    “

    This play about a ten year old processing his dad's sudden death with the help of a friend, his tree house, and his friend's magic tent is poignant and captivating and a wonderful vehicle for two young actors (though not YOUNG young - the kids are portrayed by actors in their 20s). I was hooked from the start and loved watching Martin work through things as he played. Kids notice more than we think they do, and this play reflects that beautifully.

    This play about a ten year old processing his dad's sudden death with the help of a friend, his tree house, and his friend's magic tent is poignant and captivating and a wonderful vehicle for two young actors (though not YOUNG young - the kids are portrayed by actors in their 20s). I was hooked from the start and loved watching Martin work through things as he played. Kids notice more than we think they do, and this play reflects that beautifully.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Martin's Treehouse by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    “

    A moving journey towards coming to terms with the loss of one's father and the grief that comes with it. Well done.

    A moving journey towards coming to terms with the loss of one's father and the grief that comes with it. Well done.

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

Both main characters should be played by adults in their 20s, who portray 10-year-old children until the final scene.
  • Martin/Older Elliot
    Martin should be a non-binary (amab). He plays a boy for most of the play, and is non-binary in the final scene as an adult, who then has the name Elliot.
    10 (played by an adult in their 20s)
    Any
    Non-binary -- assigned male at birth
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Dina/Elliot/Parker
    Dina is non-binary, played by an actor in their 20s. They appear more female (relevant to the play), and eventually change their name to Elliot. In the final scene they play the role of Parker, who is also non-binary.
    10 (played by an adult in their 20s)
    Any
    Non-binary -- assigned female at birth
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Production History

  • Professional, Post-Industrial Productions, 2024

Awards