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Olivia Matthews

Recommended by Olivia Matthews

  • Landslide (a monologue) by Devin Porter
    13 Feb. 2019
    “ I had the privilege of seeing this devastating yet endearing monologue in performance. Porter captures the wistful nature of losing a loved one and trying to keep ahold of them as much as we can even if they are no longer physically with us. I'd have no problem encouraging actors of color to check out this dynamic piece. ”
  • To Saints and Stars by Jordan Ramirez Puckett
    3 Jan. 2019
    “ A lovely exploration of the lifelong friendship between two determined women. Their respective points of view are strong, making their moments of contention suspenseful but also heartbreaking. While religion versus science may be up for debate forever, Puckett skillfully shows how they not only co-exist but are co-dependent. However, what is not debatable is the need for friendship and sisterhood; Puckett shows they necessary for Zoe and Sofía's survival.

    A play that carefully weaves faith, science, and technology while being a platonic-romance. Any theatre would be happy to bring this ”
  • And Vaster by Skye Robinson Hillis
    3 Jan. 2019
    “ Skye Robinson Hillis masterfully paints these sympathetic characters who are wonderfully charming, sexy, and complex. Despite any complications that may arise, the foundation of Corinne and Michael's relationship is love and respect, which is exciting to see with such smart and mature characters. Allison is also compelling. She enters with her own life, giving her a grounded sensibility that was refreshing for a character her age. A great read but Hillis' poetry and characters DEMAND a life on the stage! ”
  • Fugitive Awareness by Skye Robinson Hillis
    25 Nov. 2018
    “ The speaker, Felice, gives a lovely, powerful monologue about the ramifications of love. The ideas in this play are evergreen; the pleasure and pain in love are that its power is ultimately transformative. How does a woman of a certain time keep her personhood? Can she?

    Robinson Hillis’ use of language is a perfect match for the speaker’s musings. It’s romantic, and each line is more personal and poetic than the one before it. With the right actress, the poetry and the humor in the piece would vibrate even more than it already does on the page.
    ”
  • WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR by Rachael Carnes
    24 Nov. 2018
    “ In times like these, it's easy to rage. Rightfully so. But as Rachael Carnes points out in "What We Are Not..." is that there is optimism within the anger. To protest, to speak out is to look forward. Carnes' protagonist says "Where I'm going is beautiful" and I'm so glad to have read a piece that is so hopeful. If I were to run into protesters, I hope to run into one like Niki. So short yet so poignant and speaks directly to #metoo and the women's march. ”
  • Burning (Or, Like a Sitcom) by Jean Egdorf
    24 Nov. 2018
    “ Honestly one of the most thrilling moments of theatre I've had the honor of witnessing. Egdorf plays with fire through language as she creates a woman trapped in the cycle of domestic abuse contemplating burning her husband and home down to the ground. She mixes the woman's musings with the familiar sound of sitcom laughter, which enhances this examination of domesticity in a small town. The words read like the beginning of a great novel but seeing it live is where this becomes magic. ”
  • Stitched with a Sickle and a Hammer by Inna Tsyrlin
    23 Nov. 2018
    “ Tsyrlin takes a brutal moment in Russian (and U.S.) history and theatricalizes it with a story about a theatre troupe who puts on a production under the ruthless conditions of a gulag. We see the play through Aleksandra, a young woman reclaiming her voice all the while rehearsing The Seagull. Chekhov's work is masterfully woven throughout this play, but Tsyrlin's compassionate examination of history and humanity makes this a play all of her own. Everyone should read this as it is a play written by an artist who cares about not only craft but the human condition. ”
  • My Body by Rachel Bublitz
    21 Nov. 2018
    “ A twist on our current state of affairs. Feels otherworldly but within reach, that's why it's so relevant- I often feel we're not too far from this kind of state-level control on the bodies of women/non-binary folk. Rachel Bublitz has captured that feeling perfectly in this short yet compelling piece. And for those not hip, the subversion of gender makes the absurdity of the culture's current power dynamics even more accessible. ”
  • FUCK BUDDY: THE MONOLOGUE by Asher Wyndham
    21 Nov. 2018
    “ With social media and the (unfortunate) advent of "ghosting," this is an all-too-relevant look at dating. What seems like a desperate encounter turns into a fight for power that is joyfully achieved by the speaker. Or is it?

    Would LOVE to see this in performance. ”
  • Falling Skies by Brayden Frascone
    21 Sep. 2018
    “ I've had the privilege of seeing a reading of this well-crafted one-act twice. Each time I've been entranced by the determined and conflicted characters Brayden has thoughtfully created. Despite the harsh realities it presents, compassion is at the heart of this play. ”

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