Plays
The Letter explores the relationship between May, a white single mother, and her fifteen-year-old, dark-skinned daughter Jen, adopted from South India. May’s sister Su brings her a letter from Chuck, the son May gave up for adoption at birth. May reveals to Jen that she plans to meet him, a fight between mother and daughter ensues. Harsh words are spoken, and Jen runs away from home. Jen’s best friend Lucy helps May understand that Jen fears her mother will abandon her for Chuck. May realizes she must give up her hope of reuniting with her biological son to save her adopted daughter. `
“In Jesus’ Name” explores the role of religion in the lives of characters who define their personal lives in terms of their relationship to God. Religion, in this play, acts as a structure upon which rest familial conflicts and struggles which are universal. Luke, an Evangelical preacher and John, his liberal Christian son must confront their religious and personal differences, when John agrees to take over as preacher following Luke’s stroke. John’s infidelity is witnessed by his wife, Tammy; her subsequent confrontation with Luke leads to the revelation of family secrets. Family bonds are broken. By the end of the play Luke has lost his family, his church and his reputation, but John has asserted his independence from his father and reclaimed his life.
When two strangers meet at a bus stop outside a Walmart, they discover a common dream of escaping their lives and traveling to India. Each encourages the other to break free of the obstacles they face. In the end they part, Rachel to return home to her overbearing husband, while Frank remains at the bus stop, waiting for his next shift at Walmart.
Successes
"Ties that Bind" was one of nine plays selected by Broken Arts Entertainment for a podcast scheduled to go live on various platforms on February 12 of 2024.
"Ties that Bind," a short play about lies, secrets and adoption, was selected by the Equity Library Theatre in New York City. "Family Tree," a monologue about adoption, was selected by Love Swell Theatre for their "Related: Adoption Stories for the Stage." The selected pieces will be performed in San Diego in early April.
"The Caregivers," a full-length play, was selected by ARTemis for their Wisdom Anthology. The Collectors' hardcover edition is currently on sale on ARTemisarts.org. The book includes six short plays, a screenplay, and three full-length plays. "The Caregiver" is about what happens when Louise, a woman in her 50s, hires an addicted felon, Patti, to care for Louise's elderly mother, Ruth.