Live on National Television

by Alaina Tennant

15 MIN -- A tight-knit, Italian-American family gathers in Nonna's living room to watch the 1969 Vietnam War Draft Lottery on TV.

15 MIN -- A tight-knit, Italian-American family gathers in Nonna's living room to watch the 1969 Vietnam War Draft Lottery on TV.

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Live on National Television

Recommended by

  • Shayne Kennedy: Live on National Television by Alaina Tennant
    “

    A tight, intense little family drama that shines a light on an aspect of the Vietnam era. It does exactly what a short play should do--zero in on a tense moment, break the tension and let the characters respond. A lovely piece.

    A tight, intense little family drama that shines a light on an aspect of the Vietnam era. It does exactly what a short play should do--zero in on a tense moment, break the tension and let the characters respond. A lovely piece.

    ”
  • J.S. Puller: Live on National Television by Alaina Tennant
    “

    For audiences who don't know the story of the draft lottery, Tennant's script is a chilling, hauntingly beautiful introduction. Interwoven with actual footage, this is a powerful piece of theatre that feels like the story of a real, lived-in family.

    For audiences who don't know the story of the draft lottery, Tennant's script is a chilling, hauntingly beautiful introduction. Interwoven with actual footage, this is a powerful piece of theatre that feels like the story of a real, lived-in family.

    ”
  • Rich Helms: Live on National Television by Alaina Tennant
    “

    I remember the draft lottery. My number was 163. The Vietnam war was raging. To me it was a lottery where the prize was a chance to die. Alaina covered the emotions and options. One alternative many with low numbers selected was dodging or deserting to Canada. When men returned from the war they met with scorn, not thanks for serving.

    I remember the draft lottery. My number was 163. The Vietnam war was raging. To me it was a lottery where the prize was a chance to die. Alaina covered the emotions and options. One alternative many with low numbers selected was dodging or deserting to Canada. When men returned from the war they met with scorn, not thanks for serving.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • Martina
    A traditional Italian matriarch. She loves her children and her grandchild dearly. She loves her heritage. She loves the life she's made in the states.
    50s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Chiara
    Martina's only daughter - strong and stubborn as her mother. She's engaged to be married sometime soon and won't let this moment jeopardize her future.
    24
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Dominic
    Chiara's twin brother. A classic young man of his age, sarcastic and self-righteous. Born August 10th.
    24
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Antoni
    The older and more mature of Martina's children. Pessimistic, anxious, and seemingly detached. Life has already been rough on him.
    38
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Nico
    Antoni's son. Everyone acknowledges him as the family baby. He's instantly lovable and gives all the love in return. Deep down might be the most mature. Born December 27th.
    18
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male