People Should Talk About What's Real

by Alli Hartley-Kong

FULL LENGTH DRAMEDY- Irreverent livestream comedian Natalie and her husband Josh struggle to conceive, while across the City historian Katherine and her husband Rathanak “Ryan” debate whether or not to adopt, all against the background of the isolating global pandemic. They don't realize that they are connected by a history deeper than it appears on the surface through the figure of Patty, an aged abortion...

FULL LENGTH DRAMEDY- Irreverent livestream comedian Natalie and her husband Josh struggle to conceive, while across the City historian Katherine and her husband Rathanak “Ryan” debate whether or not to adopt, all against the background of the isolating global pandemic. They don't realize that they are connected by a history deeper than it appears on the surface through the figure of Patty, an aged abortion activist living on a Wisconsin ranch, until their fates come together in a fertility clinic waiting room.

FINALIST: The Henley Rose Playwriting Competition
SEMI-FINALIST: James Madison University's New Works Lab
STAGED READING: Chester Theatre Group, Chester NJ
SEMI-FINALIST: Bay Area Playwrights Festival
SELECTED PLAY: A Stage of Her Own Play Development, Drew University, NJ

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People Should Talk About What's Real

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  • Alissa Klusky: People Should Talk About What's Real by Alli Hartley-Kong
    “

    A witty, meaningful, and engaging piece that tackles the subject matter (grief, infertility, family and relationships, abortion, adoption, pandemic) with the utmost care. These characters are deeply human and I fell in love with each of them. This play will make many different kinds of people feel seen and has the potential to start powerful community dialogue. Bravo, Alli!

    A witty, meaningful, and engaging piece that tackles the subject matter (grief, infertility, family and relationships, abortion, adoption, pandemic) with the utmost care. These characters are deeply human and I fell in love with each of them. This play will make many different kinds of people feel seen and has the potential to start powerful community dialogue. Bravo, Alli!

    ”
  • Playwrights Foundation: People Should Talk About What's Real by Alli Hartley-Kong
    “

    The community of National Committee readers for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival advanced PEOPLE SHOULD TALK ABOUT WHAT'S REAL as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We were compelled by the play's questions. Amidst isolation beyond one's control, how do women handle the ethics, complications, and personal toll of infertility? We were engaged by the ways comedy was used to navigate discussions of fertility and bodily autonomy, which set up the final emotionally charged waiting room moment. We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds...

    The community of National Committee readers for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival advanced PEOPLE SHOULD TALK ABOUT WHAT'S REAL as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation. We were compelled by the play's questions. Amidst isolation beyond one's control, how do women handle the ethics, complications, and personal toll of infertility? We were engaged by the ways comedy was used to navigate discussions of fertility and bodily autonomy, which set up the final emotionally charged waiting room moment. We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators in this play’s journey towards production. #BAPF46

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    ”
  • Jack Levine: People Should Talk About What's Real by Alli Hartley-Kong
    “

    This is my first read of a full-length play by ALLI HARTLEY-KONG, and it certainly won’t be my last. I am totally blown away with this heartfelt, witty, inspirational, unapologetic gem on the touchy, emotional subjects of abortion and adoption. “PEOPLE SHOULD TALK ABOUT WHAT’S REAL” is breathtaking. I was engrossed in the play from start to finish. I highly recommend this be read and produced!

    This is my first read of a full-length play by ALLI HARTLEY-KONG, and it certainly won’t be my last. I am totally blown away with this heartfelt, witty, inspirational, unapologetic gem on the touchy, emotional subjects of abortion and adoption. “PEOPLE SHOULD TALK ABOUT WHAT’S REAL” is breathtaking. I was engrossed in the play from start to finish. I highly recommend this be read and produced!

    ”
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