Start Then Next

by Libby Heily

The play begins with Girl's small act of rebellion – refusing to speak or move. Her action/inaction sparks a need for change in each character. Over three acts, their home becomes a living nightmare as they try to make their dreams come true.

The play begins with Girl's small act of rebellion – refusing to speak or move. Her action/inaction sparks a need for change in each character. Over three acts, their home becomes a living nightmare as they try to make their dreams come true.

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Start Then Next

Recommended by

  • Brynn Hambley: Start Then Next by Libby Heily
    “

    This play is a master class in modern experimentalism. Heily creates such a specific and fantastical world, grounded in the very real issues explored-- the various roles of women and how those expectations effect them; loneliness; toxic masculinity; and more. I saw this when it went up with New Circle Theater Company and I loved the complexity of it, how the themes were woven together with jokes and over the top physicality. Absolutely fantastic.

    This play is a master class in modern experimentalism. Heily creates such a specific and fantastical world, grounded in the very real issues explored-- the various roles of women and how those expectations effect them; loneliness; toxic masculinity; and more. I saw this when it went up with New Circle Theater Company and I loved the complexity of it, how the themes were woven together with jokes and over the top physicality. Absolutely fantastic.

    ”
GIRL Inert 19 Female
CAROL Mother who does not want to be a mother 54 Female
BEN Father who wants only to die 52 Male
MANNY A young man coming of age 17 Male
DONALD A sociopath trying to be better – Ben's brother 57 Male
QUINN Neighbor - wants to be a mother 20 Female


Development History

  • Workshop, New Circle Theater Company, 2024
  • Reading, Cut/Edge Collective, 2021
  • Workshop, Barrow Group Master Class, 2020

Awards

  • Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship
    Princess Grace/New Dramatists
    Finalist
    2023