Seahorse

by J.C. Pankratz

Reuben is a trans man continuing his attempts to conceive a child after the death of his husband. In processing his grief and hope, Reuben turns his insemination endeavors into moments of self-recognition by donning different costumes and persona for each try. (Juliet, Zeus, and St. Francis all make appearances.) Instead of a funerary parade, this one-person play seeks the purpose of life for the living, for the...

Reuben is a trans man continuing his attempts to conceive a child after the death of his husband. In processing his grief and hope, Reuben turns his insemination endeavors into moments of self-recognition by donning different costumes and persona for each try. (Juliet, Zeus, and St. Francis all make appearances.) Instead of a funerary parade, this one-person play seeks the purpose of life for the living, for the dead, and for the not-yet-arrived.

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Seahorse

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Seahorse by J.C. Pankratz
    “

    A brilliant solo play about grieving a loved one and giving life to someone. Lots of opportunities for stage magic in this play. Loved all the ocean imagery.

    A brilliant solo play about grieving a loved one and giving life to someone. Lots of opportunities for stage magic in this play. Loved all the ocean imagery.

    ”
  • John Mabey: Seahorse by J.C. Pankratz
    “

    SEAHORSE by J.C. Pankratz is an exquisite play that explores life and hope in the midst of grief and questions. The character of Reuben is so clearly and expertly drawn while also being completely new and unseen before on stage. Beyond the beautiful representation of a trans man in a story about insemination, this play breaks even more ground with the appearances of mythological, religious, and literary figures who all continue to reveal the story. This is a production I'd love to watch unfold on stage, and a dream for creative teams to explore and realize.

    SEAHORSE by J.C. Pankratz is an exquisite play that explores life and hope in the midst of grief and questions. The character of Reuben is so clearly and expertly drawn while also being completely new and unseen before on stage. Beyond the beautiful representation of a trans man in a story about insemination, this play breaks even more ground with the appearances of mythological, religious, and literary figures who all continue to reveal the story. This is a production I'd love to watch unfold on stage, and a dream for creative teams to explore and realize.

    ”
Must cast a trans and/or non-binary performer.

Development History

  • Reading, Synedoche Works, 2022

Production History

  • University, Case Western University, 2023

Awards

  • John Cauble Award for One Act Play
    KCACTF
    Finalist
    2022