Asher, Sandra Fenichel (American playwright, novelist, 1942- ), "Sunday, Sunday,"
a 90-minute contemporary drama in English, set in the patients' room in the psychiatric ward of a general hospital, morning to evening, one Sunday, the present,
3f (1 female is nonspeaking),
© 1994, script/rights available from Dramatic Publishing, P. O. Box 129, Woodstock, Illinois 60098, U.S.A., telephone 800-HIT-SHOW, fax 800-334-5302, Code S14. Cited via postal mail by Sandra Fenichel Asher, 721 South Weller Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802, telephone: 417-865-8234, e-mail sasher@lib.drury.edu, July 31, 1997; Asher says,
Dramatic Personae "Mildred (f), 35, physically and emotionally overblown; Anna (f), 27, timid, kindhearted, but not stupid; Sleeping Beauty (f), nonspeaking
Synopsis "On a long hospital Sunday, without occupational therapy, recreational therapy, physical therapy, or psychiatric therapy to distract them, Mildred and Anna are forced to face their private demons-together, and in the presence of Sleeping Beauty, a new, mysteriously and infuriatingly non-communicative third roommate. 'Boredom therapy,' Mildred calls it, but it turns out to be anything but boring as she and Anna go head to head (and finally heart to heart) trying to heal the wounds of childhood and adulthood that brought each of them to near-breakdown. The day itself is made up of small events: meals, a game of gin, a nap, a little exercise, a shower, a visiting hour that brings no comfort. The big surprises are internal and interpersonal: memories that torment, conversations that explode, exchanges of wit and wisdom, and the growing realization that, mismatched in every measurable way though they may be, each is the other's last, best hope for recovery.
Comment "The single set with three hospital beds need not be realistic. 'Sunday, Sunday' (previously entitled "The Grand Canyon") has won national competitions sponsored by the Playwrights' Center of San Francisco, the Little Theatre of Alexandria, and the Actors' Guild of Lexington, among others. It was an Equity showcase feature production at the Actors' Space, in New York City. It has received full productions coast-to-coast. Reviews cite its 'excellently crafted characters' (Lexington, Kentucky, Herald-Leader) and 'highly charged scenes and dialogue' (The Sunday Oklahoman). The Ashland, Oregon, Tidings calls it '. . . a psychological marathon for actors and audience alike. It's also good solid theater.'"
Themes female bonding, friendship, institutionalization,
mental health, mental illness, psychodrama, psychological games,
psychotherapy.
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