Recommended by Jordan Elizabeth Henry

  • The Wake
    29 Nov. 2017
    Oh, wow, I loved this play. Tammy Ryan uses layers of imagery that never feel muddled or forced -- they blend together seamlessly and beautifully in a way that left me stunned. HURRICANE COLLEEN is a powerful story about forgiveness, indebtedness, nature, and family. Not one of these characters is all good or all bad, and that is what makes them so beautiful, rich, engaging, irritating, and unforgettable. A play I will come back to again and again -- I can't wait to see it on stage someday.
  • The Ones That Flutter
    29 Nov. 2017
    This beautiful play left me feeling stunned and speechless. These characters -- their sacrifices, longings, and hopes -- will be with me for a long time. This play would be a challenge and joy to be involved in as an actor/director, and as an audience member.
  • Tick Tock Clock
    20 Nov. 2017
    A sweet, funny twist on an old trope. This short play offers comedic, sexy roles for actors over 60 -- would be a great piece for a short play festival. As with Karleen Hayden's other short plays, here is a celebration of the lives of 'older' people.
  • Deities ( A full-length Historical Drama)
    20 Nov. 2017
    DEITIES takes an unflinching look at religion's history (specifically the Christian church) and perceived disagreements between spiritual communities. With a feminist, inclusive lens, Sheila Rinear creates space where three powerful women aid, instruct, encourage, and challenge one another. The triumph of this piece, to me, is the celebration of femininity in its various forms and flavors, and the expression of female friendship untainted by jealousies and competition. Elizabeth, Kat, and Teresa are kick-ass in very different ways, and ultimately are on each others' sides, even when they disagree -- and god, that's refreshing.
  • Bev.
    20 Nov. 2017
    I love this short play by Gina Femia. I love a play that begins with characters trapped, as these two sisters are trapped -- in the middle of a frigid sea without a paddle. This play tackles mortality, grief, and anger with a delicate touch. It's both funny and deeply moving. A great, imaginative piece that would be a great addition to an evening of short plays.
  • APEX PREDATOR
    20 Nov. 2017
    This play creeped me the hell out. Carnes manages to tackle two huge subjects - conservation and sexual assault - with seamless elegance. This would be a perfect piece for a short play festival, particularly a festival exploring the environment or male sexual predators. Three great roles with subtlety and depth for an actress and two actors.
  • How We Got On: a breakbeat play
    19 Nov. 2017
    I had the pleasure of seeing HOW WE GOT ON at the Humana Festival several years ago; it still holds a spot as one of my favorite theatre experiences. Moving, funny, full of rhythm and honesty. If you have a chance to see this piece in production, don't hesitate.
  • Go Ask D'Alice
    17 Nov. 2017
    This play kept me guessing from start to finish. Vodrey crafted two deep characters with such economy of words, and she treats these characters (even the troubling eccentricities) with great dignity and respect. A play about the power of finding common ground in unlikely places.
  • Road Rash (a monologue)
    17 Nov. 2017
    Totally hysterical and awesome. A monologue that makes space for women that are both funny -and- sexy/sexually-empowered (in a world that often treats women like they're allowed to be one or the other, or preferably neither). A great audition piece for someone with sharp comedic timing.
  • Immortal Combat
    17 Nov. 2017
    Fun, hilarious, and thoughtful: a cautionary tale about growing up too soon. Partain covers a lot of ground with this delightful short piece -- it's layered, careful, and triumphant. (I feel like I could write a very lengthy analysis about it, but will refrain.) Everyone will get something different from this one-minute play; but I truly think -everyone- will get -something- from it.

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