A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

in a word

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 2m

Lauren Yee

Grief and comedy collide in this lyrical, absurdist journey on how to get over, get around and get through what haunts you.

in a word

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • WINNER! 2011KCACTF Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award
    WINNER! 2011 KCACTF Paul Stephen Lim Asian-American Playwriting Award
    WINNER! 2011NETC John Gassner Playwriting Competition
    FINALIST! 2013 Sundance Theatre Lab
    NOMINEE! 2015 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
    WINNER! 2015 Will Glickman Playwright Award

Details

Summary
Today is the two-year anniversary of Fiona’s son’s disappearance, and still, nothing makes sense to her. Not her blasé husband, the incompetent detective, or the neighborhood kidnapper who keeps introducing himself in the checkout line. As Fiona delves back into her memories of that fateful day, to uncover that crucial missing piece, grief and comedy collide, and ordinary turns of phrase take on dangerous new meanings.
History

In a Word first premiered at the San Francisco Playhouse in San Francisco, CA in April 2015 under the direction of Giovanna Sardelli. This production was an NNPN Rolling World Premiere that continued on to productions at Cleveland Public Theatre, Mo'Oleo Performing Arts Company, and Strawdog Theatre Company. For more information please visit nnpn.org.

Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 75 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

REVIEWS 

CRITICS PICK! "...sad and breathless and often pretty funny play about the ways in which loss mangles our world and garbles our speech." - The New York Times, Read More

“Engrossing… The pieces and performances grow together with an empathetic force and writerly dexterity that explain why [Lauren Yee] is in increasing demand all over the country.” - San Francisco Chronicle, Read More 

"In a Word is - in a word - riveting. It’s also powerful, moving, funny..." - SF Examiner, Read More 

"Sensational...While the subject matter explored in this play is weighty and disturbing, this production is a remarkably engaging and brilliantly orchestrated series of images." - The News-Hearld, Read More 

"[An] enthralling new play… I was held spellbound for 80 minutes..." - Talkin' Broadway, Read More  

“This is a complex and arresting journey through the words that we employ to clumsily deal with events that are clearly unspeakable.” - Cleveland Scene, Read More


Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Lauren Yee

Lauren Yee
Lauren Yee was the second most produced playwright in America for the 2019/20 theatrical season (as per American Theatre Magazine). Her plays include Cambodian Rock Band (South Coast Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, City Theatre, Merrimack Rep) and The Gr ...
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