“JOEY”

“JOEY”, an emotionally charged narrative, unfolds on an empty stage, weaving past and present perspectives. Through the voices of four detached speakers and the heartfelt monologues of Joey, an 8-year-old boy, and Sarah, a young mother, the play delves into the trauma of family separation caused by immigration policies. The speakers recite clinical and political rhetoric about border enforcement, contrasting sharply with Joey’s vivid, innocent longing for a mother he barely remembers and Sarah’s desperate hope for her son’s well-being. As their stories intersect, the devastating psychological and emotional impact of such separations comes into focus, challenging the audience to confront the human cost of systemic decisions. Through its stark staging and raw performances, “JOEY” is meant to serve as a powerful meditation on loss, memory, and the enduring need for connection in the face of dehumanizing policies.

Cast

CAST OF CHARACTERS (In order of appearance) SPEAKER ONE: Any gender, race, age: A detached and unemotional figure, who delivers matter-of-fact rhetoric on immigration policies. Their lines reveal the cold bureaucratic mindset behind systemic decisions, contrasting sharply with the intended emotional weight of the play. SPEAKER TWO: Any gender, race, age: Rational and clinical, they analyze the psychological effects of separation, offering observations devoid of personal sentiment. Their delivery highlights the disconnection between science and humanity. SPEAKER THREE: Any gender, race, age: Introspective yet detached, they focus on the biological and neurological impacts of trauma, presenting facts that underscore the gravity of the issue while maintaining a professional tone. SPEAKER FOUR: Any gender, race, age: Statistically driven and impersonal, they enumerate the numbers and outcomes of separation policies. Their tone reflects the systemic nature of the issue, making the human toll feel distant. JOEY: AGE 8-18: Somebody's son. A boy filled with wonder, longing, and heartbreak. His vivid imagination and unanswered questions about his mother expose the emotional scars of family separation and his yearning for connection. SARAH: AGE 20s: Somebody's mother. A mother in her 20s, haunted by the loss of her child. She is fragile yet determined, torn between hope and despair as she clings to memories and dreams of her son’s future.