a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

by Matthew Paul Olmos

A coyote howling. A home in disarray. A young woman alone. Soledad Vargas is in the city, fighting for her family’s right to live on their land. When hope starts to dwindle, how far will she go, and what will she be forced to leave behind? A modern myth drawn from the real life struggles of displaced communities around the globe, a home what howls... is a lyrically-rendered quest of youth activism standing...

A coyote howling. A home in disarray. A young woman alone. Soledad Vargas is in the city, fighting for her family’s right to live on their land. When hope starts to dwindle, how far will she go, and what will she be forced to leave behind? A modern myth drawn from the real life struggles of displaced communities around the globe, a home what howls... is a lyrically-rendered quest of youth activism standing against forces of injustice.

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a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

Recommended by

  • Tom Moseman: a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

    What is lost when something is taken but not given? What happens when sounds of progress overwhelm songs of longing? Matthew Paul Olmos creates a vast “American” space, inhabited by eternal characters; fictive yet real, spirits at once alive and long dead. This script is lyrical free-verse; a mythic opera for our dissociative times. These are theatrics that challenge the constraints of Theatre. Rationally, we understand that the myth of “progress” means marginalization. In America, it is white supremacy made manifest (destiny). Emotionally, the audience apprehends we are ghosts left longing...

    What is lost when something is taken but not given? What happens when sounds of progress overwhelm songs of longing? Matthew Paul Olmos creates a vast “American” space, inhabited by eternal characters; fictive yet real, spirits at once alive and long dead. This script is lyrical free-verse; a mythic opera for our dissociative times. These are theatrics that challenge the constraints of Theatre. Rationally, we understand that the myth of “progress” means marginalization. In America, it is white supremacy made manifest (destiny). Emotionally, the audience apprehends we are ghosts left longing for what was --

  • Brianna Barrett: a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

    This lyrical, wispy, heartbreaking drama pairs music with powerful imagery to explore the trauma of native people displaced from their original lands. Poetic in its language and the way it plays with visuals. All of the characters feel larger than life, imbued with meanings and double meanings. A twist that leaves you with much to consider once the play is over.

    This lyrical, wispy, heartbreaking drama pairs music with powerful imagery to explore the trauma of native people displaced from their original lands. Poetic in its language and the way it plays with visuals. All of the characters feel larger than life, imbued with meanings and double meanings. A twist that leaves you with much to consider once the play is over.

  • Kitchen Dog Theater: a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

    We are pleased to support this play! It was a Finalist for the 2023 New Works Festival at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

    We are pleased to support this play! It was a Finalist for the 2023 New Works Festival at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

3 W, 2 M
  • Soledad
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican American
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Abrana Vargas
    Character Age
    late 30s - 40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican American
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Manuel Vargas
    Character Age
    late 30s - 40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican American
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Coyotl/Syera Loma
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx or Any Person of Color
    Character Gender Identity
    Character identifies as female
  • Frank/Male Conductor
    Character Age
    20s - 70s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any (but probably white)
    Character Gender Identity
    Character identifies as male

Development History

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Steppenwolf Theatre, Year 2024

Awards

  • Yale Drama Series Prize Short List
    Yale Drama Series
    Finalist
    2022