Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: Everything But Dead by Richard Lyons Conlon
    “

    Strikingly specific and pointed, but with a deep connection to the lived experience of anyone touched by violence. Conlon is adept at dialogue; his words strike a balance between reality and lyricism, uplifting the narrative to a universal understanding of pain, silence, and betrayal. This piece would be a strong addition to any ten-minute play festival.

    Strikingly specific and pointed, but with a deep connection to the lived experience of anyone touched by violence. Conlon is adept at dialogue; his words strike a balance between reality and lyricism, uplifting the narrative to a universal understanding of pain, silence, and betrayal. This piece would be a strong addition to any ten-minute play festival.

    ”
  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: Ashes of the Revolution by John Patrick Bray
    “

    Bittersweet and subtle, troubling and redemptive, grounded and warm: I cannot heap enough praise on this play to measure the impact it had on me. Bray is marvellous at stepping into the world of childhood, but he is adept at guiding us there as well. During the piece, I could see the relationship between the two siblings weaving out into an almost-surely heartbreaking future. Despite the specifics of their relationship, I felt the universality of that existential uncertainty.

    Bittersweet and subtle, troubling and redemptive, grounded and warm: I cannot heap enough praise on this play to measure the impact it had on me. Bray is marvellous at stepping into the world of childhood, but he is adept at guiding us there as well. During the piece, I could see the relationship between the two siblings weaving out into an almost-surely heartbreaking future. Despite the specifics of their relationship, I felt the universality of that existential uncertainty.

    ”
  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: Stuck in the Middle by Paul Braverman
    “

    Absolutely bewildering in the best way. Braverman strikes a confident balance between absurdism and deep meaning, all while having loads of fun with the audience. It seems impossible that such a blissfully funny play could leave you pondering deep questions, but I walked away with a lot to wrestle with including the meaning of life. Splendid!

    Absolutely bewildering in the best way. Braverman strikes a confident balance between absurdism and deep meaning, all while having loads of fun with the audience. It seems impossible that such a blissfully funny play could leave you pondering deep questions, but I walked away with a lot to wrestle with including the meaning of life. Splendid!

    ”
  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: EGG IN SPOON by Rachael Carnes
    “

    Winsome, bittersweet, hilarious, subversive, shocking, and, above all, pointed: Carnes' piece is delivered with poetical polish and a strong sense of clarity around her politically relevant topic. This is a short play to wrestle with, one that offers no easy answers and lets no-one off the hook, including the audience. I usually tend to see plot twists coming a mile away, but was so pleased to be continually caught off guard by this timely play.

    Winsome, bittersweet, hilarious, subversive, shocking, and, above all, pointed: Carnes' piece is delivered with poetical polish and a strong sense of clarity around her politically relevant topic. This is a short play to wrestle with, one that offers no easy answers and lets no-one off the hook, including the audience. I usually tend to see plot twists coming a mile away, but was so pleased to be continually caught off guard by this timely play.

    ”
  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: Her Too by Debra A. Cole
    “

    Complex and surprisingly funny inter-generational piece that reveals the many layers of when and where a woman 'ought' to tell her #metoo story, concluding with the refreshing argument that every single woman's answer will be different. Cole deftly manages a tricky balance between drawing all of her characters with compassion without creating false consensus or excusing toxic behavior. A wonderful - and much-needed
    - addition to any short play festival whether or not they are specifically grappling with these issues.

    Complex and surprisingly funny inter-generational piece that reveals the many layers of when and where a woman 'ought' to tell her #metoo story, concluding with the refreshing argument that every single woman's answer will be different. Cole deftly manages a tricky balance between drawing all of her characters with compassion without creating false consensus or excusing toxic behavior. A wonderful - and much-needed
    - addition to any short play festival whether or not they are specifically grappling with these issues.

    ”