THE PLATYPODES

by Asher Wyndham

FULL-LENGTH. 86 pages in play text.
THE PLATYPODES is about Ally Gray, a pregnant woman, who's making a difficult decision for herself and her brother who has Down syndrome. Complicating matters is that her entire city knows that she is pregnant. This political play deals with current restrictions on reproductive rights.

RECOGNITION ON NPX:
'Highly Recommended and Not Yet Produced', list by Brian James Polak...

FULL-LENGTH. 86 pages in play text.
THE PLATYPODES is about Ally Gray, a pregnant woman, who's making a difficult decision for herself and her brother who has Down syndrome. Complicating matters is that her entire city knows that she is pregnant. This political play deals with current restrictions on reproductive rights.

RECOGNITION ON NPX:
'Highly Recommended and Not Yet Produced', list by Brian James Polak, 2019.
'Passing the Bechdel Test', list by Danielle Ozymandias, 2018.

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THE PLATYPODES

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: THE PLATYPODES by Asher Wyndham
    “

    An important story that is all too silent in this country and is finally given a voice. Needed and well done.

    An important story that is all too silent in this country and is finally given a voice. Needed and well done.

    ”
  • Jordan Elizabeth: THE PLATYPODES by Asher Wyndham
    “

    THE PLATYPODES has long been on my to-read list, and I'm so glad I finally had a chance to encounter this rare, vibrant play. Wyndham has gifted us with complicated characters in a difficult situation. An interesting and complex discussion of the intricacies of women's rights and neurological differences.

    THE PLATYPODES has long been on my to-read list, and I'm so glad I finally had a chance to encounter this rare, vibrant play. Wyndham has gifted us with complicated characters in a difficult situation. An interesting and complex discussion of the intricacies of women's rights and neurological differences.

    ”
  • Chris Gacinski: THE PLATYPODES by Asher Wyndham
    “

    Before I even read the first scene, I was in awe with how organized the breakdown page was, which truly enhanced my reading experience of “The Platypodes.” This was unlike anything I’ve read on this site. Asher Wyndham Bowles squeezes every drop of emotion out of these characters as we experience the troubles they do. This is an important and balanced play that deserves to be seen and read, one that touches on important issues that are still ongoing today.

    Before I even read the first scene, I was in awe with how organized the breakdown page was, which truly enhanced my reading experience of “The Platypodes.” This was unlike anything I’ve read on this site. Asher Wyndham Bowles squeezes every drop of emotion out of these characters as we experience the troubles they do. This is an important and balanced play that deserves to be seen and read, one that touches on important issues that are still ongoing today.

    ”
View all 27 recommendations

Character Information

Diverse cast. No specific race for the characters, even for ALLY and VITO.

If you include protesters you may have more than 6 actors.
You can use the actors playing AUDREY and CHAD as protesters in some scenes.

There's doubling. See character breakdown.
  • ALLY GRAY
    First a prime-time news reporter for an affiliate TV news station, later an anchor.
    43
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • VITO
    Ally's brother. He has Down syndrome. He has hearing aids.
    Almost 30 at the start of the play. He knows some A.S.L.
    I strongly recommend that an actor with Down syndrome plays this part.
    30
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • CHAD
    ALLEGRA’s boyfriend. 23. Works with kids and adults with special needs.
    23
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • AUDREY
    Her best friend since college. Early 40s. Vito's “godsister.” She’s a Chief paramedic. Lesbian.
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • JERUSALEM JOE
    A cowboy/minister combination, an anti-abortion protester. He’s also a short order cook. 40+.
    40+
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • DIANE
    Jerusalem Joe’s niece. 30s.
    30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • SANDIE
    An obstetrician and sonographer. Played by the actor playing AUDREY. 40+.
    30+
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • NURSES/POLICE OFFICERS
    Played by the actor playing JERUSALEM JOE or CHAD and the actor playing DIANE.
    30s+
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, A table reading at Playwright's Center, Minneapolis, MN., 2014

Awards

  • Semi-Finalist
    Ruckus Rockwell
    Semi-Finalist
    2018