In this episode, Brynn talks to playwright Erin Proctor about her play, "Alternative Canon", a matriarchal retelling of the Sarah and Abraham story. Brynn tells us all about Jewish Apocalyptic Scripture and the quote unquote "real" story of Sarah and Abraham; Lily Welsh gives a stunning performance as maidservant Hagar; and Brynn and Erin discuss spirituality, humor, and what it means to be a queer woman in an Abrahamic religion. If you like comedies with dramatic hearts, Biblical retellings, and queer feminists kicking ass, this one's for you!

Erin: www.erincproctor.com

Lily: [email protected]

--

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

Website: www.playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Email: [email protected]

It's the Season 3 premiere! In this episode, Brynn talks about something very close to her heart-- adoption--through the lens of the play, CHILD by Abbey Fenbert. We learn the basic history of adoption in America, common adoption traumas, and the evolution of the family; Edie Pierce gives a heartfelt and hilarious performance as Lady; and we confront our ideas of love, ritual, culture, and family as Brynn discusses the thematic messages in Fenbert's work. If you like dark comedy, brutal honesty about hard topics, and happy endings that make you cry, this one's for you!

Abbey Fenbert: www.abbeyfenbert.weebly.com

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

Website: playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Email: [email protected]

In the Season 2 finale, Brynn discusses "beth" by Alex Lin with the playwright herself! We learn about the origins of the Macbeth story and the details of the Intel (now Regeneron) International Science and Engineering Fair, and hear new actor to the podcast, Nina Ki, give a stunning performance as Beth. Alex and Brynn have a rousing discussion about adapting Shakespeare, writing dark stories for young adults, and how science and entertainment collide in theater. If you like Shakespeare, the movie Heathers, or dark humor, this one's for you!

Alex Lin: www.alexandralinholden.com

Nina Ki: [email protected]

Website: www.playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

In this episode, Brynn talks about the play "For Leonora, or Companions" by Hayley St. James! We learn about one of the few women Surrealist painters, Leonora Carrington as well as how autism presents in AFAB people. Edie Pierce, an autist herself, gives a nuanced performance as Nora, and we talk about why plays about the autistic and queer experience are so important. If you like queer theatre, surrealism, and honest depictions of neurodivergence, this one's for you!

Edie Pierce: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Website: playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

We take a break from the dark topics of the past few episodes to talk about a rom-com for the stage--"to fall in love with anyone..." by Jordan Elizabeth Henry! We learn about the history of the rom-com and some of the problematic tropes, Edie Pierce gives a stunning performance as Roni, and the playwright herself tells us how this play advocates for love, both of self and of others. If you like rom-coms, funny characters, and a sweet and gentle message, this one's for you!

Edie Pierce: [email protected]

Jordan Elizabeth Henry: www.jordanelizabethhenry.com

Website: www.playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

In this episode, Brynn talks about the pseudoscientific theory that this play is named after, the Dust Bowl, and more! Amelia Bethel gives a beautiful performance as Ingrid, and we discuss dystopian literature that's a little too imaginable for comfort, the connections between toxic masculinity and extreme nationalism, and the radical idea of quiet revolution. If you like sci-fi dystopian stories, experimental staging, and heartbreakingly truthful moments of vulnerability, this one's for you!  

In this episode, Brynn talks to Florida-based director, playwright, and theater maker, Monica Cross, about 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Multiple amazing actors collaborate with Brynn to make a beautiful audio piece of one of the scenes, and Monica talks to us about the playwright, staging experimental work, and how to navigate theatre that discusses difficult topics. If you like poetry, experimental theater, and authentic depictions of mental health, this one's for you!

CW: suicide, suicidal ideation, self harm, depression, death, medical trauma

RESOURCES-- (United States)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/

Monica Cross: www.monicacross.com

ACTORS--

Chanel Blanchett: [email protected]

Edie Pierce: [email protected]

Grace Walker: [email protected]

Website: www.playmatespodcast.weebly.com

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Brynn discusses a modern interpretation of Faustus called "Fruit in Winter" by Emily Atkinson. Lily Welsh performs as Melody, the demoness, and we learn all about the original Dr. Faustus, queer undertones made overtones, and how societal expectations of success can lead to poor self-esteem. If you like the paranormal, queer theory, and really REALLY dark stories, this one's for you!

Lily Welsh: www.lilywelsh1212.wixsite.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

In this episode, Brynn gets to talk to the playwright herself, Alyssa Haddad, about her play, Off-White, or The Arab House Party Play. We learn about the culture of early 2000s teens, the rise and fall of Myspace and AIM, and the racism that Arab-Americans faced after the events of 9/11, and we get a special treat from Breaking and Entering Theater Collective-- an audio clip from their recent production of the play! If you like Y2K nostalgia, heartbreakingly authentic accounts of teenager-dom, and effective discussions of racism in America, this one's for you!

Alyssa Haddad: www.alyssahaddad.com

Breaking and Entering Theater Collective: www.bethtrco.com ; @bethtrco on Instagram

Arab-American Heritage Month: 

- https://www.pbs.org/articles/2021/04/april-is-arab-american-heritage-month/

- https://www.insightintodiversity.com/national-arab-american-heritage-month/

- https://www.womansday.com/life/inspirational-stories/g27195411/arab-americans-in-history/

- http://arabstereotypes.org/who-are-arab-americans/arab-american-culture

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @playmatespodcast

Website: www.playmatespodcast.weebly.com

In this episode, Brynn talks about Scooby Doo, alien abductions, and the stress of teenagerhood all through the lens of M Sloth Levine's The Interrobangers. We hear a lovely performance from new actor to the podcast, Lee Harrison Daniel, and discuss why this play got to Brynn in a very special way. If you like mysteries, the paranormal, and the found family trope, this one's for you!

Lee Harrison Daniel: @leeisthatyoulee on Instagram; Lee Harrison Daniel on New Play Exchange

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @playmatespodcast