Unusual Stories, Unusually Told: 7 Contemporary American Plays from Clubbed Thumb
U.S. Drag; Slavey; Dot; Baby Screams Miracle; Men on Boats; Of Government; Plano
Will Arbery author Clare Barron author Gina Gionfriddo author Sigrid Gilmer author Jaclyn Backhaus author Agnes Borinsky author Michael Bulger editor Maria Striar editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:20th May '21
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Unusual Stories, Unusually Told features seven plays from Clubbed Thumb’s production history, representing some of the most adventurous American writers working today.
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.
I've discovered so many of my favorite playwrights thanks to Clubbed Thumb, and I keep going back to their shows because I want to know who the most exciting new artists are. Theater in this country would be much less interesting without Clubbed Thumb. * Heidi Schreck, writer and star of What the Constitution Means to Me (which originated in Clubbed Thumb's Summerworks). *
Clubbed Thumb is where the American theater is headed – it just doesn’t know it yet. * Amy Staats, playwright & actor *
To your cherished list of warm-weather city pleasures, you should think about adding Summerworks. Now 23 years old, this staple of the East Village culturescape…allows you to say you knew certain rising playwrights before your friends did. * Ben Brantley, New York Times *
A perfect summer show, a trick Clubbed Thumb seems to have mastered. The Summerworks home at the Wild Project in the East Village, with its garage-door entry open to the street, makes seeing the plays seem like a friendly invitation instead of a cultural duty. * Jesse Green, New York Times *
As has become customary at Clubbed Thumb’s Summerworks Festival, the cast, direction and design are top-notch, though it only costs a pittance to get in. In terms of dollars per laugh, the value here is extremely high. * Helen Shaw, Time Out NY *
ISBN: 9781350194182
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 502g
440 pages