←Recommendations of I Don't Care

"Oh, fuck you and this fucking world where you’re killing slow dolphins." This short play by Joe Swenson spotlights modern life and its annoyances in a funny, absurd way. The dialogue is brisk and crisp, the characters are driven with their singular need. Terrific stuff!

It’s always a bit surprising when you learn something real about somebody on a customer service call, whichever side of the equation you’re on. & so much more unusual to find out what really motivates the person on the other side & leverage that to your advantage. A tight ten that works great as an audio play, shoutout to Theatrical Shenanigans.

We've all been there, Joe. Regardless of what end of the call we've been on, we've all been there.

Honestly, as someone who has worked in customer support for many years and dealt with customers who are being heinous for reasons a lot less important than those here, I fully get Mary-Beth's desire to say 'I don't care' because sometimes, in the depths of frustration, we don't! That's the amazingly high-tension situation that Joe has presented and done such an amazing job of making you as the audience feel just as frustrated as the customer or maybe, like me you do relate to the employee. Either way, there is an audience out there who can't relate, utterly fabulous!

This play will strike a chord with anyone familiar with navigating the labyrinth that is automated customer service. Swenson explores themes of frustration, communication breakdowns, and the quest for resolution in a world marked by indifference. The sharp humor, relatable characters, and insightful commentary on the absurdities of bureaucracy make this a must-read for anyone who has ever uttered the words, "I don't care."

Is there anyone who hasn’t had a telephone customer service nightmare? I didn’t think so. That’s why this play is so relatable and so funny. Peter’s frustration is palpable as is Mary Beth’s lack of interest. Can these two come together and kill two birds with one orca? Or something like that. This will work great on stage or via podcast. Fun for actors and audiences alike.

How refreshing to encounter a customer service representative who admits she doesn't care. Unfortunately while this honesty doesn't move Peter any closer to a resolution of his service issue , it fuels his (legitimate in this case) anger management issues. The customer service nightmare and Peter's novel resolution are both presented with great wit in this thoroughly engaging play.

I didn't know whether to laugh or scream in anger, but since the cause is in this hilarious play by Joe Swenson, I laughed long and hard. Watching Mary Beth absolutely torment poor Peter got funnier with each line. I would bet any audience member watching this play would certainly identify with Peter's dilemma. His solution was novel, just as ludicrous as her handling of things and the perfect topper to this piece. Who needs anger management when you've got faster dolphins (it makes sense in context, believe me)?

The frustration is real. Too real. Thanks to Joe Swenson for poking a very tender spot in my psyche. Joe has perfectly captured a moment of present day living with a wry eye and a sharp wit. Great short piece!

Ah yes, those customer support calls always seem to escalate into chaos, don't they? Hilariously relatable and a super fun dynamic that performers would devour!