runners up of the 2019 submission period
Bloodletting by Miranda Seaver
The setting and cast of characters in Bloodletting immediately captured Lyla’s interest, and she was very excited to share this story with the rest of the team. The future that is described is notably sci-fi but in an incredibly believable way, and only steps into exposition when strictly necessary. The audience is allowed to discover how the world works as the story unfolds, and every detail is relevant to a character and their individual stories. The future setting does not detract from each character’s struggle as a queer individual, as many of the issues presented are drawn from very modern experiences. Even characters that are not human have very real and relatable voices which allows for an exploration of the fantastical while feeling grounded. Bloodletting was exciting to read, and we are equally excited to share it.
The setting and cast of characters in Bloodletting immediately captured Lyla’s interest, and she was very excited to share this story with the rest of the team. The future that is described is notably sci-fi but in an incredibly believable way, and only steps into exposition when strictly necessary. The audience is allowed to discover how the world works as the story unfolds, and every detail is relevant to a character and their individual stories. The future setting does not detract from each character’s struggle as a queer individual, as many of the issues presented are drawn from very modern experiences. Even characters that are not human have very real and relatable voices which allows for an exploration of the fantastical while feeling grounded. Bloodletting was exciting to read, and we are equally excited to share it.
The Juniper by Brian Quirk
The Juniper is a retelling of the classic tale of The Juniper Tree, and it brings the story to life with a contemporary change. Wren serves as the new age evil stepmother, a classic black widow type, she swoops in to meet Abe at his late wife’s wake. Red, the child of Abe is a closeted trans girl, and quickly befriends Wren’s own child Lili. The two children bond over their fear of Wren and their genderqueerness. Playwright Brian Quirk never lets us off the hook with this story, the magic of the juniper tree carrying us through. The play showcases the gentleness of friendship and the magic of love, but does not shy away from tackling the evil that is also present in the world. It is a boldly told story.
The Juniper is a retelling of the classic tale of The Juniper Tree, and it brings the story to life with a contemporary change. Wren serves as the new age evil stepmother, a classic black widow type, she swoops in to meet Abe at his late wife’s wake. Red, the child of Abe is a closeted trans girl, and quickly befriends Wren’s own child Lili. The two children bond over their fear of Wren and their genderqueerness. Playwright Brian Quirk never lets us off the hook with this story, the magic of the juniper tree carrying us through. The play showcases the gentleness of friendship and the magic of love, but does not shy away from tackling the evil that is also present in the world. It is a boldly told story.
Eleanor Absolute by Hannah Verdon
The story of Lorena Hickok is told through the many letters kept from the time she was in contact with Eleanor Roosevelt as they are being reviewed for archiving by herself and a young Archivist. As they read more and more letters the intimate nature of the relationship between Eleanor and the young journalist “Hick” become clear. The older Hickok, in reviewing the letters she has kept, is reluctant to let them be archived, and frustrations rise between her and the Archivist. Eleanor Absolute is a wonderful look into the past and present, delving into the intricacies of personal lives and public perception. A gripping conversation between generations about what the public deserves to know about historical figures, and what could be rightfully kept secret by those that knew them.
The story of Lorena Hickok is told through the many letters kept from the time she was in contact with Eleanor Roosevelt as they are being reviewed for archiving by herself and a young Archivist. As they read more and more letters the intimate nature of the relationship between Eleanor and the young journalist “Hick” become clear. The older Hickok, in reviewing the letters she has kept, is reluctant to let them be archived, and frustrations rise between her and the Archivist. Eleanor Absolute is a wonderful look into the past and present, delving into the intricacies of personal lives and public perception. A gripping conversation between generations about what the public deserves to know about historical figures, and what could be rightfully kept secret by those that knew them.
The Beasts of Warren by Azure D. Osbourne-Lee
At its heart this is a piece about survival, family, and the limits of society. Playwright Azure D. Osborne-Lee has built a world outside of our own, but one whose parallels cannot be ignored. The piece calls its audience to consider their actions, their places of power in society, and the ways in which they control the fates of others.
At its heart this is a piece about survival, family, and the limits of society. Playwright Azure D. Osborne-Lee has built a world outside of our own, but one whose parallels cannot be ignored. The piece calls its audience to consider their actions, their places of power in society, and the ways in which they control the fates of others.
Mosque4Mosque by Omer Abbas Salem
The story of Ibrahim spoke to us because of its normalcy, the play opens with a young man cooking dinner for his mother. The family bickers about grammar, talks about painting the closet, and eats together. The juxtaposition of Ibrahim’s mom overhearing him have sex with James and being so very awkward about it with the severity of her listening to the Syrian news about the war feels incredibly realistic. The coming-of-age story that Ibrahim is working through doesn’t exist isolated, it’s right in the middle of everything else that’s going on. The play never lets him off the hook for thinking the story is about him. To us, it’s a story about identity, and discovering your own place in the world; as a religious person, a queer person, and as an immigrant.
The story of Ibrahim spoke to us because of its normalcy, the play opens with a young man cooking dinner for his mother. The family bickers about grammar, talks about painting the closet, and eats together. The juxtaposition of Ibrahim’s mom overhearing him have sex with James and being so very awkward about it with the severity of her listening to the Syrian news about the war feels incredibly realistic. The coming-of-age story that Ibrahim is working through doesn’t exist isolated, it’s right in the middle of everything else that’s going on. The play never lets him off the hook for thinking the story is about him. To us, it’s a story about identity, and discovering your own place in the world; as a religious person, a queer person, and as an immigrant.
Tranche de Vie by Mead Hunter
Tranche de Vie takes us on a wild ride following twins Cory and Vie as they navigate a tight spot involving police investigations, murder, a corpse that won’t stay where it’s put, and regular old sibling drama. Truely a story to keep the audience guessing as it unfolds and continually asks: is something paranormal afoot? Each scene feels tense, and there’s always a feeling of desperation in the characters’ actions, like every choice has potential repercussions. We each had our own takeaway from this play, but we unanimously agree that it is a fun story with a unique and gripping voice.
Tranche de Vie takes us on a wild ride following twins Cory and Vie as they navigate a tight spot involving police investigations, murder, a corpse that won’t stay where it’s put, and regular old sibling drama. Truely a story to keep the audience guessing as it unfolds and continually asks: is something paranormal afoot? Each scene feels tense, and there’s always a feeling of desperation in the characters’ actions, like every choice has potential repercussions. We each had our own takeaway from this play, but we unanimously agree that it is a fun story with a unique and gripping voice.
Waafrika 123 by Nick Mwaluko
The gender expression presented to us through Awino’s story is powerful, and touches on often undiscussed aspects of gender identity and physicality. Alongside this is hir heartbreaking connection with Bobby, and the stark differences in their individual cultural backgrounds. Taking place in Kenya during a campaign against LGBTQ rights, Awino and Bobby navigate their relationship and Awino’s position as the child of a village chief with an image to maintain. While often portraying the achingly bleak and helpless setting the characters find themselves in, there are also beautiful moments between Awino and Bobby where they can truly be themselves, and unapologetically express their identities and love for each other. A wonderful exploration of gender and cultural identities, we are left with a strong message about a very real danger that many people face in our world.
The gender expression presented to us through Awino’s story is powerful, and touches on often undiscussed aspects of gender identity and physicality. Alongside this is hir heartbreaking connection with Bobby, and the stark differences in their individual cultural backgrounds. Taking place in Kenya during a campaign against LGBTQ rights, Awino and Bobby navigate their relationship and Awino’s position as the child of a village chief with an image to maintain. While often portraying the achingly bleak and helpless setting the characters find themselves in, there are also beautiful moments between Awino and Bobby where they can truly be themselves, and unapologetically express their identities and love for each other. A wonderful exploration of gender and cultural identities, we are left with a strong message about a very real danger that many people face in our world.
The Lindworm by Madison Mondeaux
In Madison Mondeaux’s The Lindworm, an English professor recants a story about a mythical beast born from a man. He calls us to bare witness to a tale filled with archetypes, and he then asks us to see those in his own story. Mondeaux’s telling lives on the line between fantasy and realism, and she plays with elements from both genres very well. The piece is exciting and new, and the story feels fresh and urgent.
In Madison Mondeaux’s The Lindworm, an English professor recants a story about a mythical beast born from a man. He calls us to bare witness to a tale filled with archetypes, and he then asks us to see those in his own story. Mondeaux’s telling lives on the line between fantasy and realism, and she plays with elements from both genres very well. The piece is exciting and new, and the story feels fresh and urgent.
Pride River Crossing by Patrick McCarthy
In this ensemble driven piece, playwright Patrick Thomas McCarthy takes us on a journey through the heartland to hear the stories and testimonies of LGBTQ voices. The play is rooted in verbatim theatre and flows much like an anthology. McCarthy is not afraid to look controversy in the eyes in this powerful piece, and it contains the potential to change many people’s minds and hearts about important issues facing the queer community today.
In this ensemble driven piece, playwright Patrick Thomas McCarthy takes us on a journey through the heartland to hear the stories and testimonies of LGBTQ voices. The play is rooted in verbatim theatre and flows much like an anthology. McCarthy is not afraid to look controversy in the eyes in this powerful piece, and it contains the potential to change many people’s minds and hearts about important issues facing the queer community today.
Wyoming, MN by Conlan Carter
Wyoming, MN is a moving Polaroid of its titular town; stories eb and weave together seamlessly, and we are privy to the private lives of four individuals who make the small town of Wyoming their home. Tackling the subject of being queer in cowboy country, the play lays bare the often painful secrets of love affairs and family life. Playwright Conlan Carter shows us an intimate portrayal of each of these characters, focusing on the forces that push them apart or pull them together. At its heart, this is a story about the ways life can tie us all to each other and our home town, and the bonds that exist between us all.
Wyoming, MN is a moving Polaroid of its titular town; stories eb and weave together seamlessly, and we are privy to the private lives of four individuals who make the small town of Wyoming their home. Tackling the subject of being queer in cowboy country, the play lays bare the often painful secrets of love affairs and family life. Playwright Conlan Carter shows us an intimate portrayal of each of these characters, focusing on the forces that push them apart or pull them together. At its heart, this is a story about the ways life can tie us all to each other and our home town, and the bonds that exist between us all.