Overwinter

by Mackenzie Raine Kirkman

(full length)
Two bee researchers discover that one of their bees might have intelligence far beyond the norm. Between the impossibility of what is most definitely happening and the fear of what the world will do when it learns, the researchers and the bee try to figure out the best solution and realize some things are inextricably at odds.

(full length)
Two bee researchers discover that one of their bees might have intelligence far beyond the norm. Between the impossibility of what is most definitely happening and the fear of what the world will do when it learns, the researchers and the bee try to figure out the best solution and realize some things are inextricably at odds.

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Overwinter

Recommended by

  • Rita Frances Welch: Overwinter

    This is the kind of theatre I want to see. Kirkman meets our time's grim ecological prospects with wit and charm. Its absurdity is never absurd for long. These are the kind of characters that are missing in theatre- the scientists! Long have I yearned for a play that deals with a precise, defined doom with precise, defined comedy, that asks the questions you're afraid to ask yourself, a play with voice in a time where voice is the enemy. You should be reading this. This is the theatre I dream about.

    This is the kind of theatre I want to see. Kirkman meets our time's grim ecological prospects with wit and charm. Its absurdity is never absurd for long. These are the kind of characters that are missing in theatre- the scientists! Long have I yearned for a play that deals with a precise, defined doom with precise, defined comedy, that asks the questions you're afraid to ask yourself, a play with voice in a time where voice is the enemy. You should be reading this. This is the theatre I dream about.

  • Kyle J. McCloskey: Overwinter

    A wildly imaginative play about mortality and possibility! Expansive questions are posed with a subtle, yet beautiful theatricality. I must echo fellow recommenders on Kirkman's bold stage directions acting as both witness to the truth of the play and compelling narrator. An excellent new play.

    A wildly imaginative play about mortality and possibility! Expansive questions are posed with a subtle, yet beautiful theatricality. I must echo fellow recommenders on Kirkman's bold stage directions acting as both witness to the truth of the play and compelling narrator. An excellent new play.

  • Jarred Corona: Overwinter

    What a play. Writing recommendations is difficult, because you want to SAY something. But I long to throw out my in-the-moment emotions. It's hard. Do I talk about the existential crisis, both the death kind and the kind where you find meaning from within yourself? Do I say Kirkman's writing and stage directions make every page buzz with the artistry of a novelist? I don't know. Do I say my eyes are tensed with thought, emotion? I don't use words like best. There is no objectivity. But I think this might be one of my favorite shows I've read. Ever.

    What a play. Writing recommendations is difficult, because you want to SAY something. But I long to throw out my in-the-moment emotions. It's hard. Do I talk about the existential crisis, both the death kind and the kind where you find meaning from within yourself? Do I say Kirkman's writing and stage directions make every page buzz with the artistry of a novelist? I don't know. Do I say my eyes are tensed with thought, emotion? I don't use words like best. There is no objectivity. But I think this might be one of my favorite shows I've read. Ever.

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

there are two traditional characters in this play. You may choose to have the bee played by puppet or with light. In a way, this counts as a character. Regardless of physical representation the bee needs her own voice. (Literally, like speaking not metaphorically like animals are important.)
  • Dr. Logan Jean
    A poet's soul. They were a rule follower but now that might change.
    Character Age
    Any Adult Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any
  • Dr. Brady Curran
    A 'cool' scientist. Sincerely good but not very emotional.
    Character Age
    Any Adult Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any
  • The Bee
    A rusty patch bumblebee.
    Character Age
    ?
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    none
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Azuka Theatre, Year 2024