←Recommendations of A Benevolent Alliance of Mourners

We sometimes look as hard as we can to find ‘the one we are meant to be with’. But, in a world where things can randomly happen, a chance meeting can turnout to be an unexpected wonderful outcome. KEN PREUSS’s “A Benevolent Alliance Of Mourners” tells of a meeting of two strangers outside of a church, where a funeral service is about to take place. I found this play to be sweet, endearing, and encouraging, especially for two people who may have found a way to be hopeful for their future.

There's something very human about finding each other once tragedy has passed. With far more tenderness and care than many would give the subject, Preuss presents us with two characters as they manage to make a connection under very somber circumstances, and turn it into something beautiful. Something worth holding onto.

I've always felt there's a special magic in the liminal spaces on the edge of a funeral, especially for the young. Ken Preuss captures that magic perfectly: the vulnerability, the questions, the humor, and the bewildering feeling of learning how navigate this strange new world without a map. Preuss gives us the gift of two beautiful characters, plenty of gentle and genuine wit, and some lovely synchronicity that might as well be literal magic.

A sobering scene of connection between two young adults despite grief and confusion. Preuss' dialogue is sublime, a treat for two actors to dive into. Where the scene shines the most, however, is the hopeful atmosphere seeped into every line, image, and stage direction. Hope comes from what we find within each other, and it's rare when plays tap so insightfully and perfectly into that. Beautiful.

I am reading this after some emotional, private moments and find that Preuss has offered healing and even a smile in the wake of the unthinkable. The bridging of a relationship, the honesty, and the respect of the mourning period offer light in days of darkness.

Everyone should read/watch/listen to plays by Ken Preuss. I listened (with the Gather By The Ghostlight podcast) to A BENEVOLENT ALLIANCE OF MOURNERS, and my goodness, this play had me feeling all the feelings. The characters, the dialogue, the situation, all real and authentic and powerful.

What a richly imagined and beautiful, human exchange. Preuss captures the tentativeness of the new connections we make, especially in time of loss, as well as how those connections can open us up in important and surprising ways. All with a deft balance of the laughter and sorrow that come from loss and memories of those who've passed.

I've just listened to this beautiful play on Gather by the Ghostlights podcast, it's amazing! I don't wish to give any spoilers, read it for yourself, better still listen to it, or see it being staged. One touching line amongst others: " Tell me stuff so someone knows"
This play is stunning!

Beautifully written with two distinct, engaging characters. Ken Preuss presents a quiet moment that evolves naturally at a comfortable pace. Alex and Ellie are two young people facing loss but potentially finding the healing power of a new relationship. What a pleasure this would be to see on stage.

As a fan of both Ken Preuss and Phoebe Bridgers, I couldn't not love this play! It unfolds beautifully and tenderly, highlighting the mysteries and coincidences and questions about life and death that we all grapple with. This conversation feels natural and relatable, and the audience is absolutely rooting for these two characters by the end of the piece. Great stuff all around!