The Words of Ants

by Xiaoyan Kang

The visit of an uninvited woman changes Y's life forever. As the last natural inheritor, Y embarks upon a journey to preserve an almost extinct language, but at what cost?

The visit of an uninvited woman changes Y's life forever. As the last natural inheritor, Y embarks upon a journey to preserve an almost extinct language, but at what cost?

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The Words of Ants

Recommended by

  • Franky D. Gonzalez: The Words of Ants by Xiaoyan Kang
    “

    Getting to read this meditative poetic play was such a privilege. Xiaoyan Kang weaves together a play that combines history, language, feminism, culture, heritage marriage, memory into a poignant and heartrending portrait of a woman at a crossroads of all the above intersections. An absolutely entrancing read.

    Getting to read this meditative poetic play was such a privilege. Xiaoyan Kang weaves together a play that combines history, language, feminism, culture, heritage marriage, memory into a poignant and heartrending portrait of a woman at a crossroads of all the above intersections. An absolutely entrancing read.

    ”

Character Information

  • Cameraman / Government Official
    Should be played by the same actor who plays H.
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Art Curator
    Should be played by the same actor who plays O.
    Female
  • Playwright
    Can be played by someone in the backstage.
    Female
  • Y
    50s - 80s
    Female
  • O
    A linguistics professor
    50s
    Female
  • L
    Y's granddaughter, should be played by an adult actor.
    10
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • H
    Y's husband
    50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Student / Influencer
    Should be played by the same actor who plays L.
    early 20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Reading, Iowa New Play Festival, 2024

Awards

  • Jane Chambers Award
    Runner Up
    2024