Recommended by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman

  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Miracle on Nevada State Route 375 [a 1-minute play] by Steven G. Martin
    “

    A short brief snapshot of a couple--and a place-- that provides ample freedom and phenomenological possibilities. While such a moment could be beautiful if captured on film, its creation onstage results in and demands *an experience.*

    A short brief snapshot of a couple--and a place-- that provides ample freedom and phenomenological possibilities. While such a moment could be beautiful if captured on film, its creation onstage results in and demands *an experience.*

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Wad by Keiko Green
    “

    I devoured this play. The writing is taut and dangerous, fast-paced and loud but somehow meandering and fragile and all too quiet, all at once. Such a wellspring of emotion within. I'm having trouble even putting into words the ways this play has inspired me and made me question myself, the world, and those I think I know best. I'd love to see this produced.

    I devoured this play. The writing is taut and dangerous, fast-paced and loud but somehow meandering and fragile and all too quiet, all at once. Such a wellspring of emotion within. I'm having trouble even putting into words the ways this play has inspired me and made me question myself, the world, and those I think I know best. I'd love to see this produced.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Reckoning by Dan Taube
    “

    An intimate, delicate glimpse at two people's grief. Taubes handles a weighty topic with nimble hands and leaves the audience craving more.

    An intimate, delicate glimpse at two people's grief. Taubes handles a weighty topic with nimble hands and leaves the audience craving more.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Dog Park by Josie Gingrich
    “

    What a great short play for dog lovers and anyone who has faced social awkwardness and made it through. Heartwarming and sweet, this play has a great premise and takes on the pandemic in a way many of the other plays I've read haven't-- addressing the social, emotional, and financial impacts in a surprisingly human way (despite the canines). I hope to see it produced soon!

    What a great short play for dog lovers and anyone who has faced social awkwardness and made it through. Heartwarming and sweet, this play has a great premise and takes on the pandemic in a way many of the other plays I've read haven't-- addressing the social, emotional, and financial impacts in a surprisingly human way (despite the canines). I hope to see it produced soon!

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Seneca and the Soul of Nero (Full-length play) by Marcia Eppich-Harris
    “

    I was able to stream Southbank Theatre Company's production of this play recently, and what a history lesson! Recent politics are hauntingly reminiscent of the Ancient Rome depicted here, and the cast of characters encompass a spectrum of youthful, full of promise and hopeful individuals to devastated, deteriorating, and downright grotesque. I found myself particularly fascinated by the female characters on the margins of this history, and their scenes from the work have stayed with me longest.

    I was able to stream Southbank Theatre Company's production of this play recently, and what a history lesson! Recent politics are hauntingly reminiscent of the Ancient Rome depicted here, and the cast of characters encompass a spectrum of youthful, full of promise and hopeful individuals to devastated, deteriorating, and downright grotesque. I found myself particularly fascinated by the female characters on the margins of this history, and their scenes from the work have stayed with me longest.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Once More by Ali Gallo
    “

    Snappy dialogue between two seeming strangers. Fast and fun, a dynamic short piece.

    Snappy dialogue between two seeming strangers. Fast and fun, a dynamic short piece.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: Alone, Alone, Alone, Alone, Alone [a 1-minute play] by Steven G. Martin
    “

    A short play about the isolation of sadness and depression, and how one person has the potential to rescue another through even the simplest of gestures and actions. A moving and haunting moment captured beautifully for the stage.

    A short play about the isolation of sadness and depression, and how one person has the potential to rescue another through even the simplest of gestures and actions. A moving and haunting moment captured beautifully for the stage.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: 6 Feet Apart by Dana Hall
    “

    A short play highlighting the humorous aspects of a dark time. Funny and all too real.

    A short play highlighting the humorous aspects of a dark time. Funny and all too real.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: 19 Words (a monologue) by Matthew Weaver
    “

    These 19 words and the silences that surround them say so much. A seemingly simple monologue with the potential for a ton of complexity, depending on the actor.

    These 19 words and the silences that surround them say so much. A seemingly simple monologue with the potential for a ton of complexity, depending on the actor.

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: La Mujer Barbuda by Cristina Luzárraga
    “

    This play completely blew me away. It is so beautifully unexpected: absurd, raw, hilarious, somber. As a mother who has suffered PPD, fears of inadequacy and fears of having to choose between a career and a child, this play felt like being seen. It is sobering and vindicating all at once. I would love to see it in production.

    This play completely blew me away. It is so beautifully unexpected: absurd, raw, hilarious, somber. As a mother who has suffered PPD, fears of inadequacy and fears of having to choose between a career and a child, this play felt like being seen. It is sobering and vindicating all at once. I would love to see it in production.

    ”