SHORT PLAY
Drama
Drama
A parent and child struggle to connect
in their fractured relationship.
Through grief, love, and humor,
they fight their way toward
healing and to each other.
But what they discover along the way
might fracture the shape of time itself.
in their fractured relationship.
Through grief, love, and humor,
they fight their way toward
healing and to each other.
But what they discover along the way
might fracture the shape of time itself.
CHARACTER INFORMATION
Dad - 40s and older
Son - 20s/30s
Son - 20s/30s
THEMES
Grieving & Healing, Parent & Child, Ghost
Grieving & Healing, Parent & Child, Ghost
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
AWARD FOR ARTISTIC MERIT
Know Theatre, NY - 2024
Know Theatre, NY - 2024
REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
“What makes a John Mabey script so profound is the power of shared experiences. No matter how you experienced it, Mabey is always able to find a way to make you not just comprehend the emotional stakes, but makes you feel a part of it. From the craftsmanship of the dialogue to the beauty of authenticity in its characters, John Mabey’s THE SHAPE OF GOODBYE is an encapsulating piece of how we attempt to shape our life in the face of grief.”
(Brenton Kniess)
(Brenton Kniess)
“Grieving comes in all shapes and sizes. There is no time limit and it finds you in a myriad of ways. Mabey’s father and son have danced around their feelings through life and death. And now an object whose importance has diminished in time suddenly becomes the connection that enables both the father and the son to understand the importance of what was and move to “what will be.” A moving peace on holding on and letting go.”
(Claudia Haas)
(Claudia Haas)
“This is a lyrical exploration of grieving and the longing for connection that continues well after death. A son struggles to make peace with the memory and the mystery of his late father in concert and in conflict with his father's spirit. If there was a trophy for compassionate understanding it would go to John Mabey.”
(Paul Donnelly)
(Paul Donnelly)
“Thanks to the magic of writing, characters get to say things to each other - even in death - that they couldn't muster the courage to say otherwise. This is most evident in Mabey's heartfelt and beautifully written play. They've created an almost mystical setting where a father and son have such a real conversation that is emotional for both, even when the physical circumstances seem to make such emotions impossible. The play is a well-deserved award winner.”
(Bruce Karp)
(Bruce Karp)
PRODUCTIONS
Know Theatre, NY - 2024