How to Pronounce Samhain

by Michael C. O'Day

[ONE-ACT] In a lonely graveyard on the Saturday before Halloween, with the veil between worlds at its thinnest, the High Priestess Morrigan Dusk attempts a solemn ritual. When it is interrupted by a reckless teenager and his family, the priestess receives an unexpected visit from the past and an even more unexpected opportunity for the future. A story of loss, witchcraft, and ultimate frisbee.

[ONE-ACT] In a lonely graveyard on the Saturday before Halloween, with the veil between worlds at its thinnest, the High Priestess Morrigan Dusk attempts a solemn ritual. When it is interrupted by a reckless teenager and his family, the priestess receives an unexpected visit from the past and an even more unexpected opportunity for the future. A story of loss, witchcraft, and ultimate frisbee.

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How to Pronounce Samhain

Recommended by

  • Erin Dietsche: How to Pronounce Samhain by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    Michael C. O’Day has built a complete world within this play. Not only did it make me laugh, but it also made me think deeply. I especially appreciated the character of Matty, who is so lovable.

    Michael C. O’Day has built a complete world within this play. Not only did it make me laugh, but it also made me think deeply. I especially appreciated the character of Matty, who is so lovable.

    ”
  • Stacey Isom Campbell: How to Pronounce Samhain by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    I had the pleasure of being introduced to Michael C. O'Day's play through the Valdez Theatre Conference. it's a play with lots of laughs, physical comedy, and heart. The play deals with big subjects like the rituals around death, Covid, and varying stages of life but does so with ease and a great deal of humor. It's a play that feels right for this moment when we need to find a way to respect each other even in our differences.

    I had the pleasure of being introduced to Michael C. O'Day's play through the Valdez Theatre Conference. it's a play with lots of laughs, physical comedy, and heart. The play deals with big subjects like the rituals around death, Covid, and varying stages of life but does so with ease and a great deal of humor. It's a play that feels right for this moment when we need to find a way to respect each other even in our differences.

    ”
  • Marshall Logan Gibbs: How to Pronounce Samhain by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    Spooky, snarky, sentimental- all at once. Michael writes with such vivid imagery, this graveyard (ironically) comes alive off the page. Special kudos to the character of Matty- one of the best-written teens I have encountered in a play. Produce this play, especially ideal for a Halloween performance!

    Spooky, snarky, sentimental- all at once. Michael writes with such vivid imagery, this graveyard (ironically) comes alive off the page. Special kudos to the character of Matty- one of the best-written teens I have encountered in a play. Produce this play, especially ideal for a Halloween performance!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Valdez Theater Conference, 2024
  • Reading, New Ambassadors Theater Company, Lab Reading, 2023
  • Reading, The Convening, 2022