←Recommendations of Second-Hand Spiral Ham

The kind of political play that emphasizes a humane world told through humane people rather than just a political statement, which leverages the power of narratives for the greater good. Wonderful balance of humor, pathos, and message.

Deceptively brilliant. With it's quirky title and flowing natural language, Second Hand Spiral Ham lures you in with lighthearted dialog that is instantly relatable: a witty exchange around holiday planning. But tension subtly weaves its way in, climaxing in a monologue that highlights a significant and fundamental differences in world view. A wonderful execution highlighting heightened holiday emotions.

Caught this lovely and poignant piece at the Midwest Dramatists Conference, and was so taken by the simple set-up: a couple arguing about a Thanksgiving ham. Well, that's just where it starts, and where it goes is deep into enduring tensions between the two, leading to a pointed crescendo of a speech that blew me away more than a little. All ironically set against the idea of giving thanks. So well done, and ready for production!

DC Cathro brings us a comedic and touching play that forces us to examine the things we give importance and the things we fail to notice. A masterclass in an unseen MacGuffin revealing something deeper about the characters and the world in which we live. Featured at the 2025 Midwest Dramatists Conference.

I saw this at the Midwest Dramatists Conference and was blown away. I was impressed by a 10-minute play that includes a long, meaningful monologue that just nails it. Bravo DC!

I saw this script as a reading at the Midwest Dramatists Conference. This is a beautiful script with fury, starkly drawn spouses who want different things, expect different things and have different priorities. And when choices are made to prioritize humanity at Thanksgiving, Cathro seizes on the opportunity to show us how it affects one couple.

When is a ham more than a ham? When in the able hands of DC CATHRO. This powerful two-hander SHOULD BE a holiday classic. The build up is brilliant. The dialogue is natural. The conclusion satisfying. The situation is probably more prevalent than audiences will want to admit. BEAUTIFUL.

01.10.25 - Every once in a while, we need to be reminded that other human beings who aren't as fortunate as we are deserve our notice. It's easy to ignore the homeless, to not think about them and concentrate on our own needs. Well, Thanks to DC Cathro, that's a little harder to do now. Watching Cinda and Darren argue the merits of an act of kindness was an eye-opener. I loved the interaction here, and it seems like Darren, shamed though he was, and deservedly so, may have learned something here

DC Cathro drops us in the middle of what seems will be a typical marital squabble. But the squabble becomes about something deeper—about two people with fundamentally different values confronting how they view the unhoused population. With economy and precision, the play asks who deserves what—food, generosity, the basic necessities of living—and encourages us to see the marginalized as human. Fantastic work!

Now I know what a work ham is. (Exactly what it says it is!)
Cathro gives us two charming relatable marrieds engaging in effervescent banter over said work ham... until that banter reveals a less charming yet unfortunately still relatable side to one of them. It's great narrative sleight of hand, delivering an important message and a necessary reminder to review and renew our humanity.
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