←Recommendations of Talkback

What. A. Gem! This short satire about the woes of a talkback is so fun, relatable, and full of wonderful commentary of how audiences view a new work. Liz Duffy Adams has a remarkable sense of comedic timing and layers the dialogue in a swift and meaningful manner. I SO want to see this staged. Better yet, can I play Bill?

This take on the talkback session following a new play reading is so clever and frighteningly accurate. The way the initial criticism opens the floodgates for the others to pile on is handled perfectly as is the ending. Nothing to criticize here.

A brilliant take-down of the circle of developmental hell known as the talkback. As it dawns what play is being discussed the satire of pompous responders soars. Every word rang horrifyingly true and the playwright's final resolution was deeply satisfying.

Accurately captures the well-meaning-but-often-totally-destructive nature of the talkback session. The genius of the piece is in the particular play being discussed (no spoilers!), but it also works on a universal level, exhibiting the human tendency to offer needless advice just to fill space. Eminently relatable, well-paced, and ends on a satisfying and appropriate note.

In ten minutes, this script presents a deeply relatable and reassuring read for any playwright in the field right now. It's a compelling reminder that every dramaturgical guideline for playwriting you've ever heard is ultimately just a guideline, and the "new play development" mindset can sometimes leave no room for the possibility that a play is already successful.

Indeed. The reading and talkback of a new play can be brutal. But sometimes, it seems the ones talking back are just talking because they have the forum to do so. For the most part, playwrights should take the same attitude as Bill at the end. I mean, look where it got him! This would be a great "warm up" before an actual reading and talkback, so people might look within before they offer changes to a new play!

An absolutely hilarious short about what would happen if Shakespeare had to endure an audience talk back. If you have a classical theatre and are in need of a green show, this will have them rolling in the aisles!

This play is hilarious and absurd... but if you've ever been in the hot seat at a talkback, the level of absurdity is in question! Playwrights reading this play will squirm in their seats and nod their heads emphatically as they begin to recognize the less-than-helpful feedback they have likely heard themselves. And readers who are NOT playwrights will still enjoy the brilliant, dawning reversal as the playwright's identity comes to light. The thesis? When you open up the floor for critical feedback, you'll receive critical feedback - but the playwright ALWAYS has the final say. A great, honest piece!

For anyone who, for whatever reason, has been stuck doing a talkback (I guess it's possible to participate in one willingly, but I've never understood why anyone would do that), this is pretty much on the nose. Utterly hilarious!

I laughed numerous times reading this piece by Liz Duffy Adams and I think you will too. Any playwrights out there NOT see themselves in Bill's shoes, even if only for a moment. The satire runs freely here, with the "serious" talkbackers expounding on everything wrong with the play, even as they attempt to dumb it down for the masses. Bill's decision at the end is sweet, even as it is followed by a parting shot of absurdity. I would love for an audience to have a real talkback after seeing this. I loved this.