The Body's Midnight

by Tira Palmquist

What does it mean to be lost in America? Anne and her husband David are about to find out. Determined to put a troubling diagnosis in the rearview mirror, they set off on the perfect American road trip with a plan, a destination, an impressive list of cool spots to stop along the way and a timeline that should put them in St. Paul just in time for the birth of their first grandchild. But what if this perfect...

What does it mean to be lost in America? Anne and her husband David are about to find out. Determined to put a troubling diagnosis in the rearview mirror, they set off on the perfect American road trip with a plan, a destination, an impressive list of cool spots to stop along the way and a timeline that should put them in St. Paul just in time for the birth of their first grandchild. But what if this perfect plan is merely a distraction from the complicated, ridiculous, occasionally breathtaking and often far messier journey they’d hoped to avoid? Bearing witness to the beauty of things, even as they disappear, Anne and David struggle to come to terms with the unexpected and unavoidable journey of their lives.​

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The Body's Midnight

Recommended by

  • Hilary Bluestein-Lyons: The Body's Midnight

    I had the pleasure of seeing the Boston Court/IAMA production of this play, which was spectactular, from the set design, sound and lighting, to the fabulous acting, to the creative and inventive directing. But the play itself is masterful in its integration of story, theme, metaphors, and characters. And even if one doesn't have a family member struggling with memory loss, the journey, the relationships with family, and the connection we all have to this planet is deeply relatable.

    I had the pleasure of seeing the Boston Court/IAMA production of this play, which was spectactular, from the set design, sound and lighting, to the fabulous acting, to the creative and inventive directing. But the play itself is masterful in its integration of story, theme, metaphors, and characters. And even if one doesn't have a family member struggling with memory loss, the journey, the relationships with family, and the connection we all have to this planet is deeply relatable.

  • Adam Hunter Howard: The Body's Midnight

    This play is an absolute gem! The magnificent Boston Court / IAMA production aside, the play itself is a masterclass in structure, characterization, themes, and lyrical poetry. Palmquist, as in much of her other work, keeps our world - from its denizens to the ground in which we walk - as the primary focus of the journey. Educational, inspiring, and a gift to its actors, she beautifully interweaves the complexities of ageing with the gorgeous landscapes that we take for granted - as we're often too scared to opt for the road less traveled. THIS is a welcoming road indeed!

    This play is an absolute gem! The magnificent Boston Court / IAMA production aside, the play itself is a masterclass in structure, characterization, themes, and lyrical poetry. Palmquist, as in much of her other work, keeps our world - from its denizens to the ground in which we walk - as the primary focus of the journey. Educational, inspiring, and a gift to its actors, she beautifully interweaves the complexities of ageing with the gorgeous landscapes that we take for granted - as we're often too scared to opt for the road less traveled. THIS is a welcoming road indeed!

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: The Body's Midnight

    A lyrical and often poignant piece that speaks of the fragility of memories, both external and internal. Anne and David are visiting places that are disappearing and, even worse, have already disappeared; the perfect metaphor for the ordeal Anne is currently dealing with. This one is both about the journey and the destination, and whatever form those may take, and the willingness to take detours when necessary.

    A lyrical and often poignant piece that speaks of the fragility of memories, both external and internal. Anne and David are visiting places that are disappearing and, even worse, have already disappeared; the perfect metaphor for the ordeal Anne is currently dealing with. This one is both about the journey and the destination, and whatever form those may take, and the willingness to take detours when necessary.

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Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Boston Court Pasadena, Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization Boston Court Pasadena Playwrights Group, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization LAFPI Table Reads, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Trinity Street Players, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Palm Beach Dramaworks, Year 2021

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Boston Court Pasadena/IAMA Theater Co-Production, Year 2024