←Recommendations of The Known Universe (Part Three of The Second World Trilogy)

First of all, Kudos to Scott Sickles for carrying out such an ambitious undertaking. I can safely say that writing a trilogy is in the same category as climbing Mount Everest in things I will never attempt. Though it could be read as a standalone play, I can't imagine it would have the same impact without reading the first two plays in the trilogy. So, take the plunge and read The Marianas Trench and Pangea first. The final scene is as well-earned as it is heart-wrenching. Bravo!

This heart-rending conclusion of the Second World Trilogy is beautiful and elegiac, but doesn't shy away from moments of humor and vividly drawn characters. Unlike the first two plays, this is in one long act, and deservedly so, as it careens toward an uncertain ending of the world as we know it.

Only Scott can take this huge idea of careening towards environmental oblivion and hold it gently in the experiences of vividly complex characters. It asks a hard question that many are asking now: should we have children if the world could end? But in the end, there are no regrets. The Known Universe will hurt you in a way that great art should hurt. Its agony is an epic, rich, loving agony that makes you appreciate the specific quirkiness of these beloved characters. This play goes beyond representation. It is a sanctification of the queer, atypical family.

Where does one start on recommending a play of this magnitude? Firstly I was happy to be back in the company of Teddy and Anzor, I could watch their entire lives on stage. Then the reality kicked in, I chose the word reality for if mankind is not careful this could well become a reality.
Scott tackles an incredibly difficult scene with humour, tact, love, regret and so much more.
This is a stunning, desperately sad ending to an amazing trilogy which should be read by all, staged, and watched by all. I will be on the front row.

"The Known Universe" can stand on its own, but do yourself a big favor and read all three plays of "The Second World Trilogy" in order. You will be amply rewarded. I don't use the word "masterpiece" lightly, but that's exactly what Scott Sickles has produced. The plays celebrate love even as humanity faces the consequences of ignoring too many inconvenient truths. The heartbreaking image of a family determined to maintain some semblance of normality while knowing they cannot survive the next few minutes will stay with you forever. I cannot recommend these plays highly enough.

THE KNOWN UNIVERSE is the inevitable conclusion to Scott Sickles’ brilliant, spellbinding, emotion-packed SECOND WORLD TRILOGY. And although I say “inevitable” this is a journey that must be taken. It will take a toll on you for sure. But you will also experience love in its purest form. And love rarely comes without heartache. Read the other recommendations. They will convince you, as they did me, to read this play and the others. Once you start, there’s no turning back.

Dammit, I have a meeting in a few minutes and I have to figure out how to stop crying after reading this play! These characters are so strong and loveable and you never want to let them go. But in 89 pages, you absolutely have to let go. And holding the memory of your love is almost more painful than letting go. But the gift of the time you have with these wonderful characters, watching as they honor the gift of the time they have together, is so wonderful that it is worth the pain at the end.

Well, damn. What a beautifully constructed heartbreak. I will be forever haunted by the line “Since when was anyone entitled to a long life?” There is joy, tears, and oh, so much love in this play. It is as inevitable as life itself and just as tragic. And celebratory. And sad. And joyful. This play concludes life stories that I have followed from childhood to death. A profound work that deserves attention.

I am destroyed. From page 6 on I became a collection of sobs and involuntary tears. Sickles has told this wonderful story about Teddy and Anzor that has you constantly rooting for them to succeed. But The Known Universe tears you apart and without putting you back together, tears the torn pieces apart. The only solace in this masterpiece is this sliver of hope that Sickles adorns us with about Anzor honoring Teddy's request. Then there's the kids, you just want to hug them! BRILLIANT! BEAUTIFUL! INCREDIBLE! TRAGIC! AMAZING! I will never forget this story.

Like a great work of literature that you do not want to end, you keep reading the third part of Sickles brilliant trilogy wanting just that, for this to not be the concluding chapter. As epic as this third play is, that word doesn't do total justice when writing this recommendation. A love story for the new ages and one that will still play with such empathy today, tomorrow and well into the future it represents. The Second World Trilogy offers up a cry for change with heroes that stand up proudly for their dying world and love.