They Love Violence

by Jacob York

"Do you have a dream? Sorry, I know that’s a personal question, but I’m trying to illustrate a point. Is there something you want to do more than anything?"

Sidney Gibson is a professional wrestler coming to the end of her time in the ring.

Another Sidney is also Sidney, but not really.

In the twilight of their career, they make a choice. To go full bore into the bloody and dangerous world of deathmatch...

"Do you have a dream? Sorry, I know that’s a personal question, but I’m trying to illustrate a point. Is there something you want to do more than anything?"

Sidney Gibson is a professional wrestler coming to the end of her time in the ring.

Another Sidney is also Sidney, but not really.

In the twilight of their career, they make a choice. To go full bore into the bloody and dangerous world of deathmatch wrestling, filled with barbed wire, thumbtacks, and flaming tables. To express their art with the fullness of themselves.

But life will always get in art’s way. What will Sidney be willing to sacrifice to make her dreams come true? And is it worth it?

Is it enough to be good? Or does she also have to be successful?

When your goal is within your grasp, what could make you give up?

---

“THEY LOVE VIOLENCE is a hauntingly beautiful love letter to the world of pro wrestling. All the aches, pains, trials and tribulations, as well as the thrill, the rush, and the passion of the art is on display. This look inside the mind of an aging wrestler is incredibly accurate. With that accuracy, it is moving and entertaining.”
Leva Bates, Professional Wrestler – Formerly of AEW and WWE

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They Love Violence

Recommended by

  • Ally Varitek: They Love Violence by Jacob York
    “

    This play is electric. It’s for women’s sports fans, for wrestling fans, AND for any artist. The layers of wrestling and theatre and the passion we have for/sacrifices we make for both are palpable and invite immense collaboration. The physicality and theatrical possibilities of wrestling and deathmatch are vivid and a dream play for both designers and movement-loving creatives. This is a dream for any movement theatre company.

    This play is electric. It’s for women’s sports fans, for wrestling fans, AND for any artist. The layers of wrestling and theatre and the passion we have for/sacrifices we make for both are palpable and invite immense collaboration. The physicality and theatrical possibilities of wrestling and deathmatch are vivid and a dream play for both designers and movement-loving creatives. This is a dream for any movement theatre company.

    ”
  • Hank Kimmel: They Love Violence by Jacob York
    “

    I saw a staged reading of this on 9/15/2024 -- and, wow!!!!!, what a dynamic, gripping play. What is the price and consequence in the pursuit of greatness? This play offers a distinct view that is also transferable to other forums of this dispute. Though the play leans bravely into the violence, there is a strong undercurrent of tenderness. We feel the main character's pain -- both physically and emotionally. Again, Wow!

    I saw a staged reading of this on 9/15/2024 -- and, wow!!!!!, what a dynamic, gripping play. What is the price and consequence in the pursuit of greatness? This play offers a distinct view that is also transferable to other forums of this dispute. Though the play leans bravely into the violence, there is a strong undercurrent of tenderness. We feel the main character's pain -- both physically and emotionally. Again, Wow!

    ”
Sidney – She / Her, 38. A person trying to be the very best.

Another Sidney – She / Her, 30’s. A wrestler. An image. A longing.

The Lord God Ced – He / Him, 50’s. A living legend. Mick Foley with the authority of Jesus Christ.

Jessi – She / Her, 30’s. A civilian. It is not her fault she does not understand.

The Trainer – He / Him, 40’s – 50’s, but feels older. Life handed him no breaks, so he has none to give out.

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