←Recommendations of Forgive Us Our Debts

Forgive Us Our Debts is a poignant two hander that brings together two men who otherwise might never have met. The connection between Jared and Luke is edgy and full of tension initially. We're not sure how this drama might end. But Philip Middleton Williams' skill at creating fully rounded characters draws us in right away. What begins as an unwelcome reminder of the past, ends as the possibility of a blooming friendship.

So few playwrights are willing to tackle the topic of debt. What's owed, and what happens to the people owing as well as the people chasing after them. This play manages to infuse a debt collection with compassion and comedic flair. A great ten-minute read.

Audiences will be kept guessing as this clever two hander unfolds. While Luke is tending to his plants as kindly as he does his loved ones, Jared is out to collect a debt. No spoilers here, but the 'debt' in question is quite a surprise!

I loved how this ten-minute kept surprising me as it progressed. As usual, Phillip Middleton Williams creates 3D characters that draw you into their situation quickly. Who knew that a "collection attempt" could have such depth to it. Absolutely enjoyable ten minute play.

This play starts off as an interrogation, but ends in a wonderful start to a whole new friendship. These two men share something in common, they both have lost loved ones, and they both do the things to keep their spirits alive, such as Luke watering the flowers that carry his partners ashes, and Jared trying to pay off his fathers debt. Philip Middleton Williams gives us a wonderful yet powerful story of friendship, memories, and connection. Bravo Philip!

09.28.24 - A meet-cute story from Philip Middleton Williams always has more going on under the surface than what you think it does. It's a tale of endings. We have Luke and Frank's ending, we have Frank (literally) ending years earlier, and Jared's debt collecting job ending in, what could be, just the right place for a new beginning of something. I love the fact that not only have some of Frank's ashes went to help the plant grow, but his debt just might make a new relationship grow. Terrific.

Luke and Jared meet under unusual circumstances, but as their conversation naturally progresses, a connection develops. Both men share sad memories, and yet Philip Middleton Williams keeps a light touch with gentle humor and a sprinkling of movie and TV references. And as usual, he makes it look easy. A gem.

It was an honor to see this short play by PHILLIP MIDDLETON WILLIAMS performed at the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. MIDDLETON WILLIAMS' use of dark humor is pure mastery. His character generational differences melt away as the piece moves, and his descriptive and colorful language is a gift. I highly recommend this wonderful short play.

What really surprised me and struck me about this piece was how funny it was! It actually deals with a serious subject and has a very compelling premise, but the dialogue to bone dry and full of acerbic wit. I kept finding myself laughing out loud, despite myself. The writing is tight and the characters are expertly drawn. Williams has written so many wonderful plays over the years, it is no surprise that this play is also a treasure to behold!

Yet another sweet, sort-of-romance from Philip Middleton Williams. The tentative dance between the characters is subtle and deftly drawn. You believe in both of them, you feel for both of them. Two wounded people find each other from an unlikely meeting. I got to see this at a reading at the 2023 Midwestern Dramatists Conference and I'm so glad I did. It was touching and bittersweet.