Organic

by Jenna Jane

In a future where everyone is enhancing their bodies with the latest tech, 81-year-old Donna Goldman is an anomaly – she’s 100 percent organic. But now, there’s a problem: She’s dying. And a bionic body part is the only cure. Will cyborg Dr. Flores persuade her to abandon her sense of self to survive? This 20-minute sci-fi drama for two actors explores the relationship between the body and the self.

In a future where everyone is enhancing their bodies with the latest tech, 81-year-old Donna Goldman is an anomaly – she’s 100 percent organic. But now, there’s a problem: She’s dying. And a bionic body part is the only cure. Will cyborg Dr. Flores persuade her to abandon her sense of self to survive? This 20-minute sci-fi drama for two actors explores the relationship between the body and the self.

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Organic

Recommended by

  • John Busser: Organic by Jenna Jane
    “

    11.23.24 - I just listened to this on Broken Arts Entertainment's The Future anthology of plays and what a thought-provoking play! As we enter a future of implants and enhancements (they ARE coming, don't kid yourself) this play questions whether we will retain what makes us who we are vs. the ability to be something closer to what we want. There are some real ethical issues being discussed here and Jenna Jane lays it on the table in a powerful and relevant way. Definitely worth your time!

    11.23.24 - I just listened to this on Broken Arts Entertainment's The Future anthology of plays and what a thought-provoking play! As we enter a future of implants and enhancements (they ARE coming, don't kid yourself) this play questions whether we will retain what makes us who we are vs. the ability to be something closer to what we want. There are some real ethical issues being discussed here and Jenna Jane lays it on the table in a powerful and relevant way. Definitely worth your time!

    ”
  • Aly Kantor: Organic by Jenna Jane
    “

    I appreciate the way that this play offers two contrasting points of view. It would have been so easy to choose one and argue for it, but nothing about this play is easy. Both sides of this debate are valid, leading to a moving, humanistic conclusion about an individual's right to decide who they are and how they express it. It felt like an allegory for so many of the issues individuals with marginalized identities are facing today, making the sci-fi premise feel contemporary. Engaging work!

    I appreciate the way that this play offers two contrasting points of view. It would have been so easy to choose one and argue for it, but nothing about this play is easy. Both sides of this debate are valid, leading to a moving, humanistic conclusion about an individual's right to decide who they are and how they express it. It felt like an allegory for so many of the issues individuals with marginalized identities are facing today, making the sci-fi premise feel contemporary. Engaging work!

    ”
  • Joe Swenson: Organic by Jenna Jane
    “

    Wow! Powerful! Jenna Jane puts the world on notice about authenticity in this futuristic short story. Giving compelling reasons to both sides of the coin and then hitting you with a twist that you just don’t see coming. Powerful.

    Scary that this could be our future soon. Amazing that Jenna showed us both sides of equation and still lets the audience decide without consequence. It’s a must see.

    Wow! Powerful! Jenna Jane puts the world on notice about authenticity in this futuristic short story. Giving compelling reasons to both sides of the coin and then hitting you with a twist that you just don’t see coming. Powerful.

    Scary that this could be our future soon. Amazing that Jenna showed us both sides of equation and still lets the audience decide without consequence. It’s a must see.

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

A note from the playwright on gender references, below: These are only suggestions. Gender is just a performative social construct, anyway. Do whatever feels right to you.
  • DONNA GOLDMAN
    Female, 70s-90s. All natural in a world of cyborgs. Sentimental, reflective, stubborn. Would rather suffer than be someone she’s not.
    70-90
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • DR. FLORES
    Non-binary, 25-39. A cyborg, like everyone else in this society. A physician. Is actually in their 80s, but appears much younger. Practical, logical, progressive. A touch vain. Focused on the future.
    25-39
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary

Development History

Production History

  • Professional, Playwrights’ Round Table, 2024
  • Professional, American Stage (staged reading), 2023
  • Professional, The Ivoryton Playhouse, 2023
  • Professional, Curtis Theatre, 2022

Awards

  • The Ellie Award
    The Ivoryton Playhouse
    2023