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Nick Malakhow

Recommended by Nick Malakhow

  • Heroes, Legends, Brothers by Emily Hageman
    7 Dec. 2019
    “ A heartbreaking short piece that packs a lot into a few pages! Leon and Travis are two excellent roles for young people, and they get to show a great range over the course of this play. Hageman plays with a style that walks the line between meta-theatricality and naturalistically-relived moments. The humor at the start of the piece helps to make the end even more of a deep cut. This would be great for use in high schools. ”
  • Next to Him by Jessica Moss
    6 Dec. 2019
    “ An unsettling and effective drama/thriller of sorts with some darkly comedic threads woven throughout. In the character of Peter, Moss has created a dynamic nucleus around which Ash and Eva orbit. As is the case in real life, Eva and Ash learn much about themselves, one another, and their relationship through the ways they interact with (and see the other one interact with) the troubled Peter. Moss also captures a unique sense of theatricality that blurs the line between the "theatrical" and "cinematic" in a delightful way. Couldn't put it down and read it straight through! ”
  • I Will Miss You When You're Gone by Jessica Moss
    6 Dec. 2019
    “ What a beautiful, unique, and poignant exploration of grief and loneliness. The four women in this piece each have potent and actable motivations and speak with distinct, cleverly drawn voices. Moss balances what generally feels like beautifully observed and realized naturalism with a judiciously applied dose of whimsy, supernatural magic, and offbeat humor. There are heartbreaking truths uttered in this piece without a scrap of treacly sentiment--what an accomplishment! I would love to see a production of this polished and ready-to-perform and direct piece onstage. I look forward to continuing my journey of reading Moss' work. ”
  • I Changed My Mind, I'm Fine by Stephanie Swirsky
    5 Dec. 2019
    “ This fast-paced, hilariously absurd comedy explores terminal illness, mortality, and the processing of those things with friends and family. Hannah is a delightful protagonist. The ridiculousness of the world around her--both circumstances and the funny and colorful supporting characters--only further hammers home the alienating, terrifying, and absurd reality that is living with such a frightening diagnosis. Swirsky creates such a vivid and vibrant theatrical world, while the ever-present evolving map of Hannah's cancer provides a sobering reminder throughout. The fast-paced play resolves in a satisfying, offbeat, and poignant ending. I would be overjoyed to see a production! ”
  • Marianas Trench (Part One of The Second World Trilogy) by Scott Sickles
    5 Dec. 2019
    “ "Marianas Trench" is epic in scope, but so poignantly intimate, specific, and nuanced in its focus. Sickles manages to brilliantly render a hypothetical reality that is richly detailed and overwhelmed with potent social conflict through carefully crafted scenes--the epitome of excellent "showing vs. telling" with regards to theatrical world-building. Anzor and Teddy's relationship is compelling and evolves organically. The visual/spatial/aural world established here would be a dream for actors, directors, and designers alike to dive into. "Marianas Trench" is a powerful piece in and of itself, and leaves me wanting to know more about this world--produce this! ”
  • Invincible Ones by Samantha Cooper
    5 Dec. 2019
    “ This was definitely an "openly crying on public transit" kind of script! In "Invincible Ones," Samantha Cooper explores grief, friendship, and alienation by zeroing in on a dynamic and eclectic group of individuals. Zoe is a compelling protagonist who you understand all along the way, even as you might be frustrated by the ways she is pushing folks away in her grieving. Every character is rendered in just as nuanced and three-dimensional a fashion as Zoe. Heartbreaking without sentimentality. The choral odes and the powerful visual metaphor of the leaking tub enhance the boldly theatrical aesthetic. Produce this play! ”
  • Koalas by J. Joseph Cox
    4 Dec. 2019
    “ "Koalas" is a delightfully weird and warm-hearted dramedy populated with truly unique and deftly rendered characters. Cox spins a compelling story propelled in many ways by Ray, while also giving satisfying arcs to every other character in the piece (Theo the koala included). Nate is an wonderfully complex and nuanced character--always a treat when a writer gives young people that level of depth. A real sense of the visual, spatial, and aural landscape of this theatrical world is also incredibly clear from just the text itself. How I'd so love to see a production of this piece! ”
  • Nomad Americana by Kira Rockwell
    3 Dec. 2019
    “ This unique and warm-hearted play about the definition and redefinition of family throughout one's life contains a whimsical cast of eclectic personalities. The play moves at a steady and contemplative pace with new truths emerging and relationships evolving in believable and organic scenes. Rockwell successfully creates distinct and singularly-voiced characters in each of the Echo family members. It was a brisk and enjoyable read, and the Fresh Ink production I saw radiated the same melancholy and wistful energy that I so enjoyed when reading the script. I hope to see this have a continued production life! ”
  • BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART by Donna Hoke
    3 Dec. 2019
    “ Once again, Donna Hoke excels at writing compelling and universal naturalism that tackles large questions and themes by zeroing in on an intimate cast of characters. Abby is an amazing protagonist who is humanly flawed and impossible not to empathize with and root for. Humor and human quirkiness live alongside big moral and ethical choices in each scene, making for a quick and propulsive read! I hope to see this already well-developed play produced soon. ”
  • ELEVATOR GIRL by Donna Hoke
    3 Dec. 2019
    “ In "Elevator Girl," Donna Hoke explores rape culture, gender roles, heroism, trauma recovery, and identity reclamation--obviously huge social topics--by cleverly examining a small story comprised of multi-dimensional and unique characters. This piece moves along at a brisk pace and uses strategic filling in of exposition as a potent way of furthering both character and plot. As a director, the images and tropes of the world of comic books also provides potential for some amazing design elements! I sincerely hope this highly recommended play is produced soon! ”

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