ONLY HUMAN - drama/comedy
In ONLY HUMAN, Ellie, a sculptor of high reliefs, has struggled with work since the death of her Grandpa Eddie two years ago, her emotional/artistic support. What once came easily, no longer does. The stakes are raised when gallerist, NINA, dislikes her sketches for the new pieces because they don’t represent Ellie’s past work and head in a too-abstract direction. She threatens to release Ellie from the gallery, and end her hope of a career-defining 2-year residency with an important sculptor in Italy. But knowing Ellie is talented, she gives her one month to bring new sketches for the proposed pieces that Nina can support, or she will release her. Everyone in her life is moving forward: her workaholic sister Abby is moving away from her fear of dating and into a new relationship. Their Grandpa Tyler has found a way to restart his life after the death of his husband Eddie. Her boyfriend Clark is on the threshold of a breakthrough with his HUMBOT, a human robot. Her new friend Terry is in training for a year-long, world-wide run to protect water rights. Can Ellie face her fear of loss and move forward without Grandpa Eddie’s support, or will she succumb to her fear?
Staged reading on Zoom: May 5, 2021. Directed by Todd McNerney. College of Charleston, Department of Theatre and Dance. Charleston, South Carolina.
Finalist: 2020 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award Top Ten Finalist. College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance, Charleston, South Carolina.
Long Term Dramaturgy: ESTLA. In competition for Launch Pad 2020.
Zoom directed reading: August 15, 2020
Staged Reading: ESTLA Winterfest 2020. February 2, 2020.
Staged Reading: Theatre West New Play Read Festival. June 2019.