Recommended by Stacey Isom Campbell

  • Stacey Isom Campbell: PRACTICE HOUSE by Rachael Carnes
    “

    Carnes play had me laughing even on the title page! Read it, and you’ll understand. The comedy became increasingly disturbing as this world (which is at the same time a past and futuristic one) resonated clearly with today’s political landscape. I felt such enormous dread for what would become of these characters and the ending doesn’t disappoint. It’s a wonderfully weird play, complete with symbols! And it’s one that will stick with me long after reading it. PRACTICE HOUSE is evidence of a playwright who is brilliant and hilarious and fearless.

    Carnes play had me laughing even on the title page! Read it, and you’ll understand. The comedy became increasingly disturbing as this world (which is at the same time a past and futuristic one) resonated clearly with today’s political landscape. I felt such enormous dread for what would become of these characters and the ending doesn’t disappoint. It’s a wonderfully weird play, complete with symbols! And it’s one that will stick with me long after reading it. PRACTICE HOUSE is evidence of a playwright who is brilliant and hilarious and fearless.

    ”
  • Stacey Isom Campbell: Hath Taken Away by Jacob Juntunen
    “

    I had the opportunity to see Hath Taken Away at The Great Plains Theatre Conference. It’s a master-work—beautiful, rich, moving. Each of the three characters is complex and continually surprising in a play that addresses big questions. I appreciate that he never judges or stereotypes his characters. I loved the structure of the play – it unfolds in a way that feels like opening an intricately wrapped gift. I had the feeling that I was in the hands of a highly intelligent and empathetic playwright.

    I had the opportunity to see Hath Taken Away at The Great Plains Theatre Conference. It’s a master-work—beautiful, rich, moving. Each of the three characters is complex and continually surprising in a play that addresses big questions. I appreciate that he never judges or stereotypes his characters. I loved the structure of the play – it unfolds in a way that feels like opening an intricately wrapped gift. I had the feeling that I was in the hands of a highly intelligent and empathetic playwright.

    ”