←Recommendations of The Deal

This gripping play is set in a prison cell with tension between two convicts, Vince and Stu, who negotiate their shared confinement. The character's interactions reveal layers of vulnerability and cunning. The play balances darkness with moments of unexpected connection. Love masterfully guides them through morality, camaraderie, and survival. It is a compelling snapshot of life behind bars!

To be the new kid on the block, cell block that is, has to be unnerving. And Ken Love paints a frightening picture of the power dynamic between veteran prisoner, Vince, and the new kid, Stu. It’s a testament to Love’s writing that we experience the dissonance of knowing Stu deserves his punishment and also worrying about what’s in store for him. Well done!

This is dark and fills the audience with discomfort. Stu definitely earned his discomfort, but we still see his vulnerability and have a sense of pity for him. But we also know, there's really nothing he can do but bow to his new bunkmate and his rules. Stu has a tough road ahead. Not sure any of us would be ready for this awful journey.

Ken Love masterfully stirs up a chilling sense of dread in the audience as he slowly reveals what (and who) Stu is up against, and the characters vividly come to life. We can easily imagine the horror of this young man who – whether guilty or innocent – finds himself locked up with hardened criminals. Vince's psychological warfare hits its mark, and perhaps Stu feels momentary relief... but our concern for him only grows. The unsettling unspoken ending tells us all we need to know.

The sense of MENACE in this play was just so well done. Love raises the stakes and the tension so well throughout the piece that you're left a bit shaken at the conclusion of it. Life on the inside is certainly hard, as Stu is about to find out. A harrowing 10-minute prison piece that leaves its mark on you after reading or viewing.