Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
In one of the first plays to deal directly with 9/11, Craig Wright explores free will versus determinism and the idea of random chance in this character-driven ensemble play. It’s the evening of September 12, 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A clearly uncomfortable Andrew arrives at Waverly’s apartment for what turns out to be an ill-timed blind date. Unsure of dating protocol in the aftermath of a national tragedy, the evening is made all the more colorful by Waverly’s odd neighbor Ron and his sort-of girlfriend, Nancy. As if that wasn’t enough, Waverly is anxiously awaiting news about her twin sister, who may have worked at the World Trade Center. Of course, the entire story could have just as easily played out entirely differently. So says the Stage Manager, the play’s metatheatrical device who solicits an audience member to do a coin toss that will ostensibly determine the outcome of the show. Moments in the story that could have turned out differently had the coin toss yielded a different result are indicated by the sound of a bell, but as the Stage Manager later reveals, the story isn’t as dictated by random chance as we think. Recent Tragic Events is a philosophical, if not quirky, response to the existential questions raised in the aftermath of 9/11.
Show Information
- Book
- Craig Wright
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2002
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- An apartment in Minneapolis., September 12, 2001.
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
When an actor breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.
The imaginary wall between an audience and actors. To “break the fourth wall” means that actors acknowledge that the audience is there.
A type of theatre which draws attention to the nature of theatre and performance, often through a "play within a play"
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright