Description
Book SynopsisUnusual 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 GionfriddoA 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 GilmerIn 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. RyanIn 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 Bar
Trade ReviewI'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 *
Table of ContentsForeword 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)
