Isaiah Reaves

Isaiah Reaves

Recommended by Isaiah Reaves

  • JAX: A MONOLOGUE FOR A TRANS MALE ACTOR
    20 Jun. 2019
    This piece is melodic. This is a character who is not often represented with a light of beauty and hope. Hope is what I left this play feeling, even with the cruelty of the world that entraps this character. The world building of the piece is also something I really appreciated. I sensed the space that this individual was standing in. I sense every emotion, even though this isn't my experience. Great reading. Would love to see it acted live.
  • The Kiss
    20 Jun. 2019
    This was an incredibly touching short piece. The intimacy and the sadness made these characters come alive with a delicacy, a sensitivity, and an empathy that is hard to achieve with nine pages. Still, this playwright manages to make it all come together. As a gay man, this piece is devastating, but still loving. We feel the emotional sting, but are soothed by the love of the play. Can't wait to read more from Lawing.
  • Smoke Break
    20 Jun. 2019
    This piece is brief, but effective. It always amazes me, as an eternal student of the craft, when a playwright is able to take a small moment and pack so much meaning into it. This moment between two friends gives the audience just enough of a story, while establishing a relationship between the two via naturalistic dialogue. We also are asked interesting, lingering questions about faith and its relationship to Biblical text. This is what strong short theatre is: giving us so much through a moment, which is a special, special talent.
  • Eleanor Descending a Staircase
    20 Jun. 2019
    This absurdist, wildly funny piece is truly bizarre in the best possible way. This high octane comedy works because the play has a specific rhythmic pulse, which is enhanced by repetition. The imaginative potential of a bare stage would truly bring this piece to life, as through the reading of this piece, I was reminded of what make theatricality truly unique. In the midst of this comedy, one is able to detect subtext of privilege, war, and the meaning of art. Loved it!
  • El Yunque in English
    20 Jun. 2019
    A couple of Springs ago, I walked through El Yunque and played in its waters before Maria happened. This play, with its suggestions of spirituality and the pathos in its comedy, really spoke to me. The fact that this piece was bilingual made it even more of an impact. Also, even though there is technically one character onstage, one can still feel the presence of something else. This would be amazing live, onstage.