runners up of the 2022 submission period
Even When the World Burns, I am Still with You by Elizabeth Shannon (ELLIS)
The poetic nature of this script was what really drew us to it, Shannon pairs a beautifully crafted spoken word piece with very evocative imagery that excites the readers. At its heart, this piece is relationship driven as it follows our two leads, Noor and Freja as they work to navigate what they mean to each other and how that fits into their dreams for the future. The play isn't afraid to lean into the more abstract performance art side, and dives headfirst into facing the true terrors that loom over us, in this case: climate change.
The poetic nature of this script was what really drew us to it, Shannon pairs a beautifully crafted spoken word piece with very evocative imagery that excites the readers. At its heart, this piece is relationship driven as it follows our two leads, Noor and Freja as they work to navigate what they mean to each other and how that fits into their dreams for the future. The play isn't afraid to lean into the more abstract performance art side, and dives headfirst into facing the true terrors that loom over us, in this case: climate change.
Paralysis by Kyle A. Smith
Joy's coping with their break up about as poorly as one can. They locked themself in their room and are trying to get over their depression with bed rest. But when days turn to weeks, reality into nightmares, and they repeatedly wake up to sleep paralysis, Joy must face their depression head on, or lose their grip on the real world forever. In this piece, Smith takes us deep into the psyche of the main character, Joy, splitting time between the waking world, the anxiety ridden dream state, and the terrifying place in between. This play isn't afraid to showcase how hopeless mental illness can feel, and it doesn't feel the need to wrap everything up with a bow neatly at the end. Smith shows us a very intimate glimpse into this world, without coddling us as an audience.
Joy's coping with their break up about as poorly as one can. They locked themself in their room and are trying to get over their depression with bed rest. But when days turn to weeks, reality into nightmares, and they repeatedly wake up to sleep paralysis, Joy must face their depression head on, or lose their grip on the real world forever. In this piece, Smith takes us deep into the psyche of the main character, Joy, splitting time between the waking world, the anxiety ridden dream state, and the terrifying place in between. This play isn't afraid to showcase how hopeless mental illness can feel, and it doesn't feel the need to wrap everything up with a bow neatly at the end. Smith shows us a very intimate glimpse into this world, without coddling us as an audience.
Soft Jade by Nina Ki
Nina Ki's three episode radio play is excellently crafted, and deftly tackles issues that are extremely prevalent in the queer community. For Benjamin, coming to America has been an opportunity for him to explore his orientation and identity – even while he carries with him his parents’ dream of him returning to Korea to settle down and take over the family business. Benjamin, who has always had a gift for being able to speak with the dead (and has always hated it) is visited late one night by the ghost of his ex-boyfriend Leon. He reveals that he was murdered by a serial killer targeting gay Asian men, and asks Benjamin to help him find the protective necklace that he always wore – an act which will finally bring him peace. The request leads Benjamin to find allies, re-examine his past with Leon, and finally – come to terms with who he is.
Nina Ki's three episode radio play is excellently crafted, and deftly tackles issues that are extremely prevalent in the queer community. For Benjamin, coming to America has been an opportunity for him to explore his orientation and identity – even while he carries with him his parents’ dream of him returning to Korea to settle down and take over the family business. Benjamin, who has always had a gift for being able to speak with the dead (and has always hated it) is visited late one night by the ghost of his ex-boyfriend Leon. He reveals that he was murdered by a serial killer targeting gay Asian men, and asks Benjamin to help him find the protective necklace that he always wore – an act which will finally bring him peace. The request leads Benjamin to find allies, re-examine his past with Leon, and finally – come to terms with who he is.
This Vessel is a Fragile Thing by Tristan B. Willis
Over three nights and three dreams a nonbinary person explores their relationship with their body, their family, and their desire to escape from the internal and external conflicts surrounding them. The first night they dream of turning into a tornado and destroying their hometown. The second night they dream of fighting in a war with their grandfather. The third night they dream of a future where they can transition into any form they choose. As the third dream progresses, it shifts, trying to please and keep them in the dream, away from the real world problems they so desperately want to avoid. Throughout this piece, Willis grapples with what it means to exist in a body and take up space. The piece is powerful and deeply emotional, and begs a talented set of designers to bring it to life.
Over three nights and three dreams a nonbinary person explores their relationship with their body, their family, and their desire to escape from the internal and external conflicts surrounding them. The first night they dream of turning into a tornado and destroying their hometown. The second night they dream of fighting in a war with their grandfather. The third night they dream of a future where they can transition into any form they choose. As the third dream progresses, it shifts, trying to please and keep them in the dream, away from the real world problems they so desperately want to avoid. Throughout this piece, Willis grapples with what it means to exist in a body and take up space. The piece is powerful and deeply emotional, and begs a talented set of designers to bring it to life.
