Recommended by Franky D. Gonzalez

  • The Final Debate
    13 Aug. 2018
    Bublitz leads us one way and swerves us into an entirely different direction in this short, human, and ultimately tragic play. There are matters and debates to be had and there is a lot of posturing and competition to be the one to get one over on the opposition, and Bublitz completely encapsulates the state of our national dialogue in her two debaters but she brings a sobering and necessary wake-up call to America. While time-consuming debates and loopholes are bandied about, lives are still being lost and we are ultimately responsible for not bringing action more effectively. Very thought-provoking.
  • Bless
    12 Aug. 2018
    Part Rashomon-effect story, part critique of a segment of our society, and part twist ending. Lawing is able to condense massive ideas and generations of pain and suffering into insular moments at the crossroads of a person's life. Whether it's facing death, discovering faith, remembering the past, or seeking to save self and family, Lawing brings it all together seamlessly in these three monologues connected by one tragic incident. A fast read but one that has ideas that leave you excited for more of this playwright's fascinating style of theatrical writing.
  • I'LL LOVE YOU 'TIL THE COWS COME HOME
    29 Jul. 2018
    Many who write about this subject will write with an eye toward the nostalgia and beauty of the person as they were. These plays, I have noticed, tend to become stereotypical melancholy pieces or tender plays which speaks to the playwright's emotional/personal investment in the subject. Greg Burdick takes a contrasting approach and looks at the play from the viewpoint of the present. He explores the frustrations and the immense pressure placed on a spouse who serves as a caregiver. Burdick pulls no punches and takes an otherwise tired subject and brings us into immediacy and the highest stakes.
  • SLOB: A MONOLOGUE (with wrinkles)
    20 Jul. 2018
    We have one--ONE!!--shameful relationship where we are left wondering how we let this individual stay in our lives. Asher has answered that question with this hilarious and shameless monologue that leaves you squirming and laughing. Asher's talent shines once more in the short form as he teaches us all about the economy of language and how to wring dialogue and conversation even from a monologue. He leaves you wanting more, and luckily he has a whole list of things we can read and enjoy as much as SLOB.
  • Just on the Other Side (a monologue)
    20 Jul. 2018
    A monologue exploring the precarious balancing act so many in this country must walk to remain here, and the bitterness, regret, nostalgia, and-most heartbreakingly-the quiet acceptance of the consequences that come from stumbling. Lawing's monologue speaks more effectively to the matter of immigration and remaining in the U. S. than many others tackling the same subject because it speaks above the partisan fray and talking points. Lawing aims much higher, he speaks to our shared humanity and explores the human experience in the context of the immigration issue. A strong piece for an older Latino actor. Take a read.
  • José Interprets Dreams
    12 Jul. 2018
    There are little plays that within their few pages pack the entirety of an issue into such simplicity that...you just hurt. I won't wax poetic or try to speak in flowery sentiment. The play is fantastic. It does not fall into stereotypes, or tired tropes that we see from so many Latin American characters from less responsible playwrights. Spoken through the lens of childhood innocence, the play strikes you at the core. I highly encourage others read it.
  • Disinhibition
    30 Jun. 2018
    There are plays which go beyond intended audiences and speak to the global community. The setting may be Melbourne but this play could be done in Moscow, Tokyo, Johannesburg, London, or Los Angeles and the audience would understand. The world Christopher Bryant presents us in DISINHIBITION is frightening in its familiarty and disquieting in its message. I am not sure if Bryant is chronicler or prophet, but this work cannot become a Cassandra prophesying the rapid decay of our global community trapped in falsehoods while our most impressionable go the way of Tay into radicalization. Read this play. Don't wait.
  • The Orchid
    26 Jun. 2018
    It's easy to fall into the traps of being preachy or giving cookie cutter answers to complex questions that mark the human condition. The decision to end your life is a topic that is often romanticized to a point of fetishization or altogether silenced and never spoken about in polite company. Emily Hageman falls into neither of the traps that plague this subject matter in this moving play exploring masculinity, friendship, and all the doubts and hopes we have when confronted with a confusing and chaotic existence. Read and witness the story blossom like an orchid. It's well worth it.
  • Bobby Quince Enters Adulthood
    23 Jun. 2018
    Matthew Weaver has captured the "awakening" of a young man interested in building toy models in a unique and interesting way by providing the memory from the perspective of that memory's personification. I promise, the monologue is not as confusing as I just made it. A fun slice-of-life moment capturing the moment adulthood begins to develop for a boy. It's a breeze of a monologue and keeps you engaged throughout. Really cool experimental monologue by Matthew Weaver!
  • Cost of Living
    22 Jun. 2018
    There are experiences that you have as a reader that leave you humbled by the talent, humanity and obvious love given to text by the author. Majok has done that and so much more with COST OF LIVING. The play captures you from the very first monologue. The conversation flows so beautifully and the silence speak so much more than any measure of dialogue. To read the script is to read a virtuoso creating endlessly accessible dialogue and story. It's stunning and absolutely heartrending. Read this play and let it wash over you like a Satie miniature. What gorgeous writing.

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