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Unusual Stories, Unusually Told celebrates some of the boldest contemporary American voices with seven plays from
Clubbed Thumb's Summerworks. Spanning 2001 to 2019 and accompanied by artist interviews and reflections on the work, this anthology presents a vital survey of formally inventive 21st century playwriting, and is a perfect collection for study and performance.
U.S. Drag
by Gina Gionfriddo
A serial killer named Ed stalks the city, luring his victims by asking for help. To protect themselves, a group of New Yorkers form SAFE, "Stay Away From Ed." The first rule: don't help anyone. It's a matter of urban survival.
Slavey
by Sigrid Gilmer
In which Robert and Nora, a couple on the rise, get a big promotion, a bigger house, and a brand new slave.
Dot
by Kate E. Ryan
In which old Dot and the weird kid from the neighborhood become friends. Set in that kind of Florida town that makes you wonder: is this TV, a book, or maybe even a cabaret?
Baby Screams Miracle
by Clare Barron
In which a freak storm knocks down all the trees in town and a prodigal daughter is taught a new way to pray. But the weird weather's not over yet.
Men on Boats
by Jaclyn Backhaus
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men On Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.
Of Government
by Agnes Borinsky
The adventures of Barb the Teacher, Deb the Seeker, Heidi the Helper, Tawny the Addict and a host of others. With songs! Presented by Miss Marjorie Blain, her students, and members of the community. Light refreshments will be provided.
Plano
by Will Arbery
Tonight, and later, and earlier, three sisters (no, not those ones) are stricken with a series of strange plagues. Let's talk about family nightmares. I mean, uh, memories.
List of contents
Foreword by Maria Striar, Producing Artistic Director & Co-Founder of Clubbed Thumb
Each play includes the playwright's biography and additional material:
Piano by Will Arbery (2018, 2019)
Of Government by Agnes Borinsky (2017)
Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus (2015, 2016)
Baby Screams Miracle by Clare Barron (2013)
Dot by Kate E Ryan (2010)
Slavey by Sigrid Gilmer (2008)
U.S. Drag by Gina Gionfriddo (2001)
About the author
Gina Gionfriddo is an American writer whose plays include Rapture, Blister, Burn; Becky Shaw; After Ashley; US Drag and Guinevere. She has won an Obie Award, the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Helen Merrill Prize for Emerging Playwrights, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. In addition to writing, Gionfriddo has taught playwriting at Brown University, Providence College, and Rhode Island College.Clare Barron is a playwright and performer from Wenatchee, Washington. In addition to Dance Nation, her plays include You Got Older, which received its world premiere with Page 73 Productions and later appeared at Steppenwolf (Obie Award for Playwriting, Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Play, #1 most-recommended play on The Kilroy's List, and Susan Smith Blackburn finalist); I’ll Never Love Again, which premiered at The Bushwick Starr in 2016 and was a New York Times Critics' Pick, and Baby Screams Miracle, which premiered at Clubbed Thumb and subsequently was produced at Woolly Mammoth. She won the James Tait Black Prize for Drama in 2019 and was a finalist for the Pulitizer.
Summary
Unusual Stories, Unusually Told celebrates some of the boldest contemporary American voices with seven plays from Clubbed Thumb's Summerworks. Spanning 2001 to 2019 and accompanied by artist interviews and reflections on the work, this anthology presents a vital survey of formally inventive 21st century playwriting, and is a perfect collection for study and performance.
U.S. Drag
by Gina Gionfriddo
A serial killer named Ed stalks the city, luring his victims by asking for help. To protect themselves, a group of New Yorkers form SAFE, “Stay Away From Ed.” The first rule: don’t help anyone. It’s a matter of urban survival.
Slavey
by Sigrid Gilmer
In which Robert and Nora, a couple on the rise, get a big promotion, a bigger house, and a brand new slave.
Dot
by Kate E. Ryan
In which old Dot and the weird kid from the neighborhood become friends. Set in that kind of Florida town that makes you wonder: is this TV, a book, or maybe even a cabaret?
Baby Screams Miracle
by Clare Barron
In which a freak storm knocks down all the trees in town and a prodigal daughter is taught a new way to pray. But the weird weather’s not over yet.
Men on Boats
by Jaclyn Backhaus
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men On Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.
Of Government
by Agnes Borinsky
The adventures of Barb the Teacher, Deb the Seeker, Heidi the Helper, Tawny the Addict and a host of others. With songs! Presented by Miss Marjorie Blain, her students, and members of the community. Light refreshments will be provided.
Plano
by Will Arbery
Tonight, and later, and earlier, three sisters (no, not those ones) are stricken with a series of strange plagues. Let’s talk about family nightmares. I mean, uh, memories.
