It's Still Bad, But Now I'm Reading
I’ve been socially distancing myself for a while now. And while that’s a strange new word with a strange new meaning — here’s what it looks like in Seattle, where I live — I’m trying to put some routines into place. Most of my work was cancelled or delayed, which is bringing on some very real anxieties about financial security. But that’s mostly out of my control. What’s in my control is this: I can read a play each weekday. I can amplify the voices of my fellow playwrights. And I can do that at no cost other than my time.
Here are the plays that I read last week, along with links to buy or read them (whenever possible). And if you’re reading this on Monday, join me for a virtual staged reading of Britt A. Willis’ newest play This Vessel is a Fragile Thing, produced by DC-based theatre company 4615 Theatre. It’s tonight at 7PM EST/4PM PST on Facebook Live. (Here’s the link!)
NYLON by Sofia Alvarez
NYLON is a beautiful, intimate play about the lies we tell ourselves in order to live. It's a gorgeous play told in coffee dates and conversations. Everything about it was surprising and deeply human. It's full of those "Did that just come out of my mouth?" moments, which I absolutely loved. Thank you, Sofia!
Heroes of the Fourth Turning by Will Arbery
I know these people. I hesitate to even call them characters because even growing up in southern California, I was surrounded by people just like Emily, Justin, Teresa, and Kevin -- conservative Catholics who I called my friends. I was riveted by every single conversation in Heroes of the Fourth Turning. I love how much I disagreed with them, while still leaning into the thought process. This play is magnificent and I hope I get to see it staged one day. Thank you, Will!
TRAYF by Lindsay Joelle
I want to hang out with Zalmy and Shmuel and their Mitzvah Tank all day. TRAYF is such a beautiful, human, and warm story about two 19-year-old orthodox kids just trying to figure things out and I loved every minute of it. I would absolutely love to see this play staged one day. Thank you, Lindsay!
Jo and Laurie by James Holod Kennedy
James made me fall in love with these characters and the story of their friendship. A pitch could be "Little Women, but make it queer." But let's be honest, they always were. I loved spending time with these friends and watching them grow, even when it meant growing apart. Thank you, James!
Cycle Play (or Two Sweaty) by Megan Tabaque
I love female-centric plays that are loud and messy and kind of indescribable and Cycle Play (or Two Sweaty) checks all those boxes and more. I would absolutely love to see this play staged. I can only begin to imagine how real sweat, real fatigue, and powerful bodies add to this dark dark comedy about spin class. Thank you, Megan!