for the fish

by Surrey Houlker

FULL LENGTH: 'for the fish' asks: How can we find (and keep) safety as queer people? What even is safety? Do fish have feelings? It’s 1974, deep in rural America. Uncle loves taxidermy, beer, and the oasis of solitude that they’ve built for themselves. Susanna isn’t quite sure what she loves...Maybe it’s fishing? Maybe it’s her best friend, Joanie? As the year comes to a close, Susanna’s big heart and quick...

FULL LENGTH: 'for the fish' asks: How can we find (and keep) safety as queer people? What even is safety? Do fish have feelings? It’s 1974, deep in rural America. Uncle loves taxidermy, beer, and the oasis of solitude that they’ve built for themselves. Susanna isn’t quite sure what she loves...Maybe it’s fishing? Maybe it’s her best friend, Joanie? As the year comes to a close, Susanna’s big heart and quick temper keep her precariously perched between normalcy and disaster. And Uncle, grappling with their addiction and the task of parenting Susanna, finds themselves caught up in a wave of teenage turbulence. When a scaly monster rears its ugly head, Susanna and Uncle draw closer, bonded by an understanding few in their world will ever hold.

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for the fish

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: for the fish by Surrey Houlker
    “

    A wonderful period piece about facing who we are no matter how uncomfortable.

    A wonderful period piece about facing who we are no matter how uncomfortable.

    ”
  • The Depot for New Play Readings: for the fish by Surrey Houlker
    “

    Set in 1974, Surrey Houlker’s “for the fish” connects the political turmoil of Watergate with the emotional turmoil of Susanna, a gay thirteen year old searching for acceptance in a small conservative town. Susanna finds solace with her lonely non-binary uncle, who salves alienation by going fishing. Structured lyrically, scenes alternate with “in between bits” (dumb show and monologues), and culminate in wrenching surrealism. The play’s power builds from the accumulation of small consolations: cigarettes, dancing, new shoes. Ultimately “for the fish” revels in brave acts of love and hope in...

    Set in 1974, Surrey Houlker’s “for the fish” connects the political turmoil of Watergate with the emotional turmoil of Susanna, a gay thirteen year old searching for acceptance in a small conservative town. Susanna finds solace with her lonely non-binary uncle, who salves alienation by going fishing. Structured lyrically, scenes alternate with “in between bits” (dumb show and monologues), and culminate in wrenching surrealism. The play’s power builds from the accumulation of small consolations: cigarettes, dancing, new shoes. Ultimately “for the fish” revels in brave acts of love and hope in an age of reaction. Very highly recommended.

    read more
    ”
  • Kate Busselle: for the fish by Surrey Houlker
    “

    What a gift this play is to queer theatre and what a master class in how to create rich, nuanced characters. Susanna perfectly encapsulates the pre-teen/teenage struggle of who we are and who we are supposed to become, and Uncle serves as an incredibly honest parental figure who is trying their best to figure it all out. Lots of humor, empathy, and connection bleed through this text. A must read and must produce!

    What a gift this play is to queer theatre and what a master class in how to create rich, nuanced characters. Susanna perfectly encapsulates the pre-teen/teenage struggle of who we are and who we are supposed to become, and Uncle serves as an incredibly honest parental figure who is trying their best to figure it all out. Lots of humor, empathy, and connection bleed through this text. A must read and must produce!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

*SUSANNA, while written as a teenager, should be played by someone 18+.
  • DICK THE FISH
    A voice...or maybe just a fish...or maybe just a voice. The embodiment of the binary. The embodiment of the patriarchal structures that keep Queer folks under water.
    Any adult age
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • SUSANNA
    Gangly and impulsive. Caring with a dash of young, wounded anger. A wearer of mismatched socks. An anxious talker. SUSANNA uses she/her pronouns.
    13
    White or White-Passing
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • UNCLE
    A bleeding heart concealed by lots of protective layers. A drinker of copious amounts of cheap beer. A person thrust into a parental role, armed with nothing but their charm and coping mechanisms. UNCLE uses they/them pronouns.
    46
    White or White-Passing
    they/them,
    transmasc
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Residency, the cell theatre, 2024
  • Residency, Great Plains Theatre Commons, 2023
  • Reading, Moonbox Productions, 2022

Production History

  • Workshop, Moonbox Productions, 2022

Awards

  • Playwrights Festival
    Trustus Theatre
    Finalist
    2024
  • Summer Theater Festival
    SheNYC
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • WATERWORKS Festival
    Live Arts
    Finalist
    2024
  • Local Lab
    Local Theater Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • Artist-in-Residency Program
    the cell theatre
    Selection
    2024
  • New Play Conference
    Great Plains Theatre Commons
    Selection
    2023