Recommended by Chris Gacinski

  • Confirmation Bias
    24 Apr. 2020
    Malakhow’s “Confirmation Bias” is a riveting and exponentially rich play that’s condensed into ten minutes. Regarding the psychological acceptance of homosexuality, this period piece has a lot to unravel, and showcases that loving someone of the same sex does not make one mentally ill; it doesn’t matter who you love, all that matters is that you love them and that you’re happy.
  • Good Vibrations
    24 Apr. 2020
    Williams has curated a negative experience into “Good Vibrations,” which is something we all could use. If you’re happy with your partner and with your choices, it shouldn’t matter what others think. This, among other reassuring and positive themes are dispersed in this script. A quick and important read.
  • Bundle of Sticks
    22 Apr. 2020
    What a ride. J. Julian Christopher creates a brave, poignant and introspective story involving a gay conversion camp in Australia. “Bundle of Sticks” creates a sweeping indictment of these archaic ideals that shouldn’t exist to begin with. On top of being raw and powerful, this play will win you over with its wit, and with a hopeful ending. A journey into darkness, than back into the light.
  • Kafka and the Doll
    22 Apr. 2020
    Based on true events regarding modernist pioneer Franz Kafka, Haas immerses the audience in a tender and loving story that tugs on the strings of the heart. We witness the growth and development of these characters which allows us to examine the relationships Haas has created in “Letters from Lisette,” along with examining our own relationships outside this script. A must read for those who love Kafka and want to delve into the strong oeuvre Haas has accumulated.
  • POOLSIDE GLOW
    20 Apr. 2020
    Herrera’s “Poolside Glow” is a Bildungsroman piece that pairs swimming with Serena’s quest for love. This piece poses questions regarding self-worth, endurance, and the comparison swimming and love under a critical lens. A unique play composed with a unique voice. A great piece for university productions.
  • Escobar's Hippo
    19 Apr. 2020
    Gonzalez’s “Escobar’s Hippo” is a strong absurdist adaptation of pioneer playwright Eugene Ionesco and his play “Rhinoceros.” The beauty of this script is knowledge of Ionesco and his work isn’t a prerequisite to enjoy “Escobar’s Hippo.” This piece is didactic in a way, as it teaches the audience about humanity, society and the corrosiveness of mob mentality and its influence over our decision making. With this being a work in progress, I cannot wait to see where Gonzalez takes this piece next. One to keep your eye on.
  • Vanilla
    18 Apr. 2020
    Within one minute, Scott Sickles shows life as a sex worker during a pandemic, accompanied by a few laughs and the theme of desiring normalcy during these unfamiliar times. We all want to get back to work. All of us. “Vanilla” showcases that.
  • I'll Be Here
    16 Apr. 2020
    Philip Middleton Williams explores every facet of this father-son relationship, and showcases the things we wish to say/do for our family. The theme of loss and the bitterness that comes with it is alleviated by the wealth of emotion Williams has displayed within their relationship. A thoughtful and poignant exchange of words and emotion.
  • SHORE HOUSE
    14 Apr. 2020
    As my first foray into Lockhart’s work, I was genuinely pleased with “Shore House.” This piece is made up of ten separate short plays, all occurring in the same setting. These stories Lockhart tells blend beauty, melancholy, and comedy to provide an immersive and engaging evening of theatre. This piece is perfect for universities with small budgets, and has amazing roles for college students!
  • Marianas Trench (Part One of The Second World Trilogy)
    11 Apr. 2020
    This play was intense! Sickles immerses you in a dystopian world with the first beat and carries it all the way through the end with poignant dialogue and well-written characters. Sickles has created a complexly woven tapestry of emotion as we witness the growth of these two young boys, and the decline of their countries. Ultimately, Sickles’s has an important didactic element encapsulated in “Marianas Trench:” finding positivity in times of turmoil and oppression. This piece is an array of flowers that bloomed in a wasteland. One of the best I’ve read in recent memory.

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