Recommended by Andrew Martineau

Our “brave new world” of online social interactions is examined in exhilarating absurdist fashion by Rachel Feeny-Williams. I found myself laughing out loud and gasping in horror at the bots’ stereotypical responses on gender norms. Are the comments outdated or still relevant? There is a lot to unpack here, but the theatricality present in this visual world is wildly creative. Wonderful!

Ethan is a war hero, but he doesn’t ask for the honor he deserves. He only asks for peace—his own peace of mind devoid of the “distraction of humanity.” This superb monologue, presented in sublime poetry, is a powerhouse of dramatic expression. What a gift for actors by the amazing writer, Glenn Alterman. I will not forget Ethan or his story.

Father and adult daughter plays will usually have complex, nuanced storylines and dialogue, and Kim Ruyle’s short play about a dad waiting to see a doctor after a Ping-Pong injury is no exception. An interesting debate about gender stereotyping ends up breaking stereotypes, but what is really clear here is there is genuine love between these two, even when they may not always see eye to eye. I love the breaking of the fourth wall. A smart, engaging piece!

Just when you think the whole “friends with benefits” storyline has been played out, you read a short piece like “The Argument” and realize that there is a lot more you had never considered about the pleasure for pleasure’s sake vs. emotional intimacy debate. Neil Radtke has created quite an intriguing play that is both unexpected and engaging. This could spark a lively post show discussion. Well done!

Randy’s grief is amplified by the callousness and cruelty of someone claiming to be acting out of Christian love and responsibility to her patient. The specifics of Donnelly’s scenario was all too real during the 80s and 90s, but sadly, the general hostility by self-proclaimed “good” people continues today. This play needs to be seen and experienced. It is heartbreaking and powerfully written. Bravo!

What is it about slipping on a banana peel that humans find so funny? I am not sure I have the answer, but Michael Westpfahl explores every possible way to peel back the many layers of absurdity in the yellow fruit’s arsenal of laughs. Behind the literal banana pie in your face shenanigans here, there is an intricate back story of a birthday and a lunch item that triggers trauma for years to come. Inspired lunacy!

What is so special about this little gem of a play is that it deals with an issue that could be so preachy and saccharine, and yet the characters and dialogue ring so true in an exceptionally poignant way. The priest’s message about choices is concise and profound, and in Darrel Draper’s eloquent telling, remarkably does not sound trite. I really felt sympathy for these young kids whose childhood was less than idyllic. This deserves many productions.

Is it really possible to escape the past? Should we even try to escape our past if we have unresolved issues, traumatic events we are trying to work through, or a need to make amends that keeps insisting we never forget? There are so many profound ideas running through this short play, and Samantha Oty manages to make us think while still entertaining us with a suspenseful ghost story. Well done!

While we have all heard stories of people leaving their lives behind, experiencing a form of death and returning, there is a profound sense of spirituality and calm to Byham’s testimonials, yet these stories are never stagnant. The ending of the play here, as it is for all these characters, is a beginning, and it is lovely. Wonderfully moving piece.

The whole concept of bringing a new girlfriend to a deceased wife’s gravesite is intriguingly eerie, but Christopher Soucy takes it to another level of unexpected dramatic tension that is both unsettling and very funny. I never knew where this was headed, but I was there for the wild ride. I can see this being a hit at a comedy festival of short plays.