THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT PLAYS 2006-2007
Applause is proud to continue the series that for over 60 years has been the standard of excellence for one-act plays in America. Our editor Barbara Parisi has selected the following 16 plays: DEBOOM: WHO GIVES THIS WOMAN?, by Mark Medoff; And Then, by Amelia Arenas; The Cleaning, by Zilvinas Jonusas; Breakfast and Bed, by Amy Fox; The News from St. Petersburg, by Rich Orloff; Double Murder, by Scott Klavan; Running in Circles Screaming, by Jeni Mahoney; Witness, by Peter Maloney; Asteroid Belt, by Lauren Feldman; Glass Knives, by Liliana Almendarez; Hearts and Minds, by Adam Kraar; In Conclusive Woman, by Julie (Pratt) Mollenkamp; Mixed MeSSages, by Mike Pasternack; Amouresque and Arabesque, by Victor Gluck; and The Birth of Theater, by Jules Tasca.
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The Cleaning was inspired by F. Kafka. Homophobia and suicide are the main themes of the play.
Vlad - also called Josef K. - receives a strange message under his door. He brings this message to an unknown place. Suddenly he is caught in a spotlight and “The Voice” starts asking him questions. The witness Leni is called. Josef K. knows Leni as well as Leni knows Josef K.. She says that Josef K. should be punished because he is a homosexual. Leni’s accusation triggers Josef K.’s memory. He confesses why he was not able to give Leni her biggest wish in life, a child. Leni is not convinced, but it is too late. The decision by Josef K. has already been made. Leni finds scattered pages of Josef K.’s paper which he brought with him. She thinks that she will find the answer in the papers, but... Her accusation is her punishment. Leni is asked to return the next day.
© 2010, ŽILVINAS JONUŠAS