The act of gift-giving can be as joyful as receiving. Except if it’s the case of an ungrateful recipient in HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Michele Clarke manages to craft a fully realized character with just a few lines of dialogue and some subtle body language. The character may be off-putting, but Clarke’s ability to cut to the heart of the matter is impressive.

Sometimes, it’s what’s unsaid that tells you what you need to know.

A two minute piece that speaks volumes, it explores the differences between expectation and a judgmental reality. Is Claire as rude as she would come across? Yes, and we all know someone like her.

Well written and honest, I look forward to discovering more of Clarke’s work.

Graceless and uncouth Claire is a sight to behold in this vivid short. Her failure to appreciate a thoughtful gift and the reason for that failure are heartbreaking. The set up and reversal are handled masterfully in this exquisite gem of a play.