Thanks to the magic of writing, characters get to say things to each other - even in death - that they couldn't muster the courage to say otherwise. This is most evident in Mabey's heartfelt and beautifully written play. They've created an almost mystical setting where a father and son have such a real conversation that is emotional for both, even when the physical circumstances seem to make such emotions impossible. The play is a well-deserved award winner.

This is a lyrical exploration of grieving and the longing for connection that continues well after death. A son struggles to make peace with the memory and the mystery of his late father in concert and in conflict with his father's spirit. If there was a trophy for compassionate understanding it would go to John Mabey.

11/21/24 - What makes a John Mabey script so profound is the power of shared experiences. No matter how you experienced it, Mabey is always able to find a way to make you not just comprehend the emotional stakes, but makes you feel apart of it. From the craftsmanship of the dialogue to the beauty of authenticity in its characters, John Mabey’s THE SHAPE OF GOODBYE is an encapsulating piece of how we attempt to shape our life in the face of grief.