Contents introduction chapter 1

1.1.Contemporary American Plays

So here’s the thing. I know for a fact that there are a million lists on the internet telling you about all the contemporary American plays you should read, but here’s the thing. I can almost guarantee you that all those lists will be the same 10, 15, 20 plays because they have been deemed must-reads by someone somewhere. But what I wanted to do for you, you’re welcome, is compile a list of plays you probably won’t see on a list. A list of plays that you would otherwise have to spend an hour googling before you even knew that it existed. I read a lot of plays, and I research even more so this list will continue to grow. But I want to set you a challenge! Oooo a challenge! I want you to try and read one of these plays a week until you finish the list, deal? I know, I know, reading plays alone sucks right? Right! Get a group of friends together and read, use Zoom, or Facetime, or just call each other. If you read one play you’ve done 100% more then reading no plays. So go forth, read plays, get a group of friends together, have a glass of wine, or three and enjoy.
Significant Other (By Joshua Harmon)
Joshua Harmons Broadway debut, Significant Other focuses on Jordan Berman, a 20-something New Yorker who is on his search for THE ONE in the 21century. Surprisingly this play wasn’t nominated for any Tony Awards but received rave reviews from critics. It is at heart a comedy that in its final few moments rips your heart out and leaves you in tears. The beauty of this play lies within the writing, its naturalist approach makes it feel like you’ve known these characters for years. There are a lot of gay plays out there, trust me I’ve read a lot of them, but this play is different. Harmon takes what would stereotypically be the funny gay best friend and puts him into the spotlight, it is beautiful to see a gay 20-something man so fleshed out. I urge you to read this play! It’s beautiful and deserves to be put on everywhere. Also if anyone out there is reading this, I’d love to play Jordan so #lachlanforjordan.