
Free
Playwrights’ Center, 710 Raymond Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Wednesday, March 24 from 6:00-8:00pm CT
This Member Open Play session is in-person ONLY at Playwrights’ Center.
Evoluted by Cindy J. Kaiser
A one‑act play in three scenes with a prelude and postlude, examines Homo sapiens’ fragile place in the evolutionary story and the responsibility they carry for their own pending extinction.
Mother Earth, embodied as a middle‑aged woman, is summoned by Love—the force that created the universe—to remind Homo sapiens of their role within the web of life and their impending extinction. Love appears as an intense spotlight, inside which a lone figure struggles to remain illuminated, framing the play’s tension between awareness and denial. After a brief encounter with a bartender that grounds the world of the play, Earth enters a podcast studio to speak with an assertive, self‑assured host (played by the same actor). Separated by a massive technology desk, their conversation centers on the possibility of human extinction. Earth presses for reflection and responsibility; the podcaster insists Homo sapiens are the greatest species ever and therefore invincible. The interview is repeatedly interrupted by slightly absurd breaking‑news alerts announcing environmental collapse – polar bears are extinct; soda company rushes to identify a new mascot.
Post interview, Earth returns to the bar sharing a calmer, more intimate exchange with the bartender, whose resignation contrasts the podcaster’s bravado. In the postlude, Earth reports little hope to Love—who, undeterred, continues to believe humanity may not yet be finished. As a final act, Earth turns to the audience, posing their reflection.
Is this script right for you?
There are no content warnings for this play
*If you have any questions about this local Member Open Play, please reach out to Hannah, at hannahj@pwcenter.org