The Appliance Department

by Bella Poynton

At Boynton’s department store, Robotic Companions Ruby and Charlie want nothing more than to be purchased by a human family and brought to a loving home. But as appliances, they have no control over when this will happen. Ruby and Charlie wait patiently, anxiously, eagerly, imagining the day when they might be bought… until a brand-new 6th generation RC, Violet, arrives at the appliance store. Violet seems to...

At Boynton’s department store, Robotic Companions Ruby and Charlie want nothing more than to be purchased by a human family and brought to a loving home. But as appliances, they have no control over when this will happen. Ruby and Charlie wait patiently, anxiously, eagerly, imagining the day when they might be bought… until a brand-new 6th generation RC, Violet, arrives at the appliance store. Violet seems to feel and understand things that Ruby and Charlie do not. Then, when Charlie is finally purchased and taken away, Violet desperately tries to sway Ruby towards escape, rebellion, and the dream of revolution. Even as she is moved into the clearance section, Ruby still wishes for a family, while Violet risks everything for a taste of freedom.

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The Appliance Department

Recommended by

  • Monica Cross: The Appliance Department by Bella Poynton
    “

    I had the opportunity to see a reading of The Appliance Department at the Comparative Drama Conference. This is a very cool play from the retro future feel to the questions about the future of AI. With three robot companions for actors to embody and a cast of supporting human characters that would be fun to play, this play has the potential for some very interesting casting. If you're looking for a new play that theatremakers and audiences will be excited about, this is it!

    I had the opportunity to see a reading of The Appliance Department at the Comparative Drama Conference. This is a very cool play from the retro future feel to the questions about the future of AI. With three robot companions for actors to embody and a cast of supporting human characters that would be fun to play, this play has the potential for some very interesting casting. If you're looking for a new play that theatremakers and audiences will be excited about, this is it!

    ”
  • Michaelia Leigh Mendoza: The Appliance Department by Bella Poynton
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing a reading of this play last year and can't recommend it highly enough. Delightful, thought-provoking, and utterly moving. Just gorgeous.

    I had the pleasure of seeing a reading of this play last year and can't recommend it highly enough. Delightful, thought-provoking, and utterly moving. Just gorgeous.

    ”
  • Vicki Meagher: The Appliance Department by Bella Poynton
    “

    I loved this play! Ruby, the robotic companion (RC) who wants nothing more than to find a Forever Home, is such a sweet, delightful character. I wanted to buy Ruby and bring her home with me! I kept wondering why the writing of this play affected me so much. I'm still not sure exactly why. But this play knows what it wants to say and it says it well. The play seems to be simple but it shows the human condition and expresses humans' current fears about the future. I would love to see it produced.

    I loved this play! Ruby, the robotic companion (RC) who wants nothing more than to find a Forever Home, is such a sweet, delightful character. I wanted to buy Ruby and bring her home with me! I kept wondering why the writing of this play affected me so much. I'm still not sure exactly why. But this play knows what it wants to say and it says it well. The play seems to be simple but it shows the human condition and expresses humans' current fears about the future. I would love to see it produced.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, New Art City Festival , 2025
  • Workshop, Bloomsburg University Plays in Bloom Residency , 2023

Awards

  • Black Swam Players Playwriting Contest
    Winner
    2025
  • Inkslinger Playwriting Contest
    Winner
    2025