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David Hansen

Recommended by David Hansen

  • One Month Along by Franky D. Gonzalez
    14 Apr. 2019
    “ Gonzalez’s play achingly traces the creation and disillusion of a love triangle, but not in that order, telling a story scene by scene in reverse chronological order. He takes us back and back, peeling away the layers of deceit and unhappiness to get to the original sin of this doomed relationship— the idea that you can wish a romantic partnership into reality based on an idea. It’s a well-crafted romantic mystery and one I highly recommend. ”
  • FAMILIUM VULGARE by Melisa Tien
    11 Apr. 2019
    “ Tien movingly captures the manner in which different folks struggle to manage the earth-moving devastation of a recent loss; the father by clearing the decks, the son by visiting an revisiting recorded memories of the past, and the daughter through a psychic connection with the very creatures who brought death to her mother. A lyric tale told through distinct voices, elegantly detailing one family's emotional survival. Highly recommended for production! ”
  • Miranda from Stormville by Adam Bertocci
    10 Apr. 2019
    “ Bertocci has a remarkable facility with words, taking delight in messing with the works of Shakespeare. In this keen adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," a nineteen year-old Miranda struggles to cope with a father in the throes of Alzheimer's, and it is against that backdrop, grappling with an parent whose fix on reality can change by the moment that new relationships form and others break apart. Unlike Shakespeare's ingenue this young woman is wise beyond her years, though still burdened by an inability to break free of circumstance. It is a brilliant, unromanticized work, and one I strongly recommend. ”
  • The Coward by Kati Schwartz
    10 Apr. 2019
    “ Schwartz does masterful work capturing the essence of young adults speaking in conversation. It is at once affectless, and entirely earnest. The brittle conflict between Christopher and Jill, two young homosexuals who feel threatened by each other, is so handily represented through turns of control and manipulation, the words we use to intimidate and also to gain sympathy. It’s a rewarding tale of bullying which would be well used by any college program or (mature) high school drama company. ”
  • ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME by Daniel K. Isaac
    7 Apr. 2019
    “ Isaac stirringly traces a century of Korean history with characters who recount ancient folks tales to console, explain, or simply draw attention away from the grief and hardship which has affected the Korean peninsula and its people. His storytelling is magical, candid, and very funny. Highly recommended! ”
  • E2 by Bob Bartlett
    5 Apr. 2019
    “ Bartlett has transposed Marlowe’s “Edward II” into the modern era, when people are free to marry whom they like and homosexuality is greatly (though by no means entirely) accepted. But he reminds us that we still hold our monarchs to different standards. And it's complicated, because the King's lover is not only of the same gender, he is “low-born”, and perhaps even more controversial today -- from away. “E2” is witty, and very smart. Cunning in its ability to take historic events and make them believable in a modern setting. I would love to see the premiere this November! ”
  • Hottentotted by Charly Evon Simpson
    4 Apr. 2019
    “ “Hottentotted” is a haunting piece, a bold and beautiful examination of the black female body, and how it is seen, one which explores the dichotomy between that which is perceived as beautiful and unsightly, self-denial and self-awareness -- of wanting to be something else, and the struggle towards empowerment, safety, and self-love. Highly recommended! ”
  • Run Kingsbury Run by Tyler Whidden
    3 Apr. 2019
    “ Whidden’s brief, gritty and intense noir thriller, packed with psychological gamesmanship, communicates the pressure, the damage, and the wide-raging effect a public panic can have on the greater community. The "Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run" is the catalyst for a confrontation between three police officers officers at a crime scene which acts as a cautionary tale about reputation, responsibility, and the ghosts of our fathers. With cracking dialogue and urgency, it's a must read! ”
  • The Story of Walter by Audrey Cefaly
    2 Apr. 2019
    “ A lyrically told, heart-hurting tale of grief, touchingly communicating one father’s feelings of utter helplessness and the inability to do or say anything right for his child. "The Story of Walter" is a moving sketch book of emotional recovery, and one I deeply recommend. ”
  • How to be a Respectable Junkie by Greg Vovos
    14 Feb. 2019
    “ Memoir, lecture, and dramatic interpretation of the living nightmare that is addiction. The lies, the crimes, the pain. There's a lot going on here in 80 minutes. Creating an improvised "how to" video suits the subject very well, providing context and structure. For better or for worse, I can't imagine there is a better time in history for a piece like this, this play should be produced everywhere. ”

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