Welcome to Pyongyang
What is this? This full-length stageplay tells the story of Joe, an American soldier who, having defected to North Korea, must rebuild his life in the strangest of environments.
Why did I write this? This story is inspired by an incredible true story that I am eager to tell the world, and I have chosen the stage to do that. The events took place partially in the province where I attended grad school, and as such, has a deeply personal resonance to me.
Where is it now? This play is currently available for performance. Contact me to discuss.
Close Quarters
What is this? Set during a more extreme version of the Covid pandemic in Hong Kong, this six-episode sitcom covers the trials and tribulations of a couple who, having moved in together prematurely, must get used to each other…fast!
Why did I write this? Episode 6 of this show was originally written as a standalone entry to a ‘Zoom theatre’ competition. After being well-received, I wrote the other five episodes to fill out the story.
Where is it now? This series was filmed and released by Aurora Theatre on YouTube. This series remains available to other companies for performance on stage or on screen. Contact me to discuss.
What is this? This shorter script (approx 25mins), suited for stage or screen, follows a couple on a date who, upon realizing immediately they are a terrible match, decide to make the best of the evening.
Why did I write this? This was inspired by a real-life date that I went on, which went almost as badly as that portrayed hete.
Where is it now? This piece is currently available for performance - ideally as part of a showcase or as an entry to a festival. Contact me to discuss.
Pantalaimon
Lousy Stories
What is this? This book, my first published work, is a collection of ten short stories about my real-life adventures in East Asia that attempts to teach a little history and culture along the way.
Why did I write this? I seem to have a habit of attracting the weird and the wonderful and decided to write it all down. I also saw an opportunity to sneak some teaching in by the back door.
Where is it now? This book is available for purchase - in physical or digital form - on Amazon.
Works in Progress
Welcome to Pyongyang (Novel)
What is this? As it sounds, this is the novel version of my stageplay of the same name about a collection of foreigners making the best of things in North Korea.
Why did I write this? I love this story and would like to tell it to as many people as possible. Accepting the limitations of going theatre-by-theatre led me to draft a novel version of the same story.
Where is it now? This novel is currently in the redrafting and editing stage.
South Bend
What is this? A full-length stage play following the mayor of a small town in the Southern United States, who faces a primary challenger in the shape of his lover’s estranged husband, and the moral judgment of the community.
Why did I write this? This work was inspired by a monologue from the Spoon River Anthology which I performed during a festival. My interpretation of the monologue as a political speech led to the idea for the plot, and I included it in the work.
Where is it now? This play is currently in the redrafting and editing stage.
What is this? A second series of six episodes, continuing the adventures of the quarantine-bound couple…but without the Covid.
Why did I write this? Since the filming and release of the first season, I have been inundated with questions about what happened to the couple following the event of Close Quarters. This is an attempt to answer them.
Where is it now? This series is currently in the redrafting and editing stage.
2 Close 2 Quarters
Short Pieces
Hide the Nutella
What is this? A short monologue (approx 2-3mins) playfully analyzing the ways in which women in different cultures punish their men for infractions.
Why did I write this? Simply speaking, it was an answer to a request from an actor friend for something to perform. I don’t need much of an excuse to get into discussion of cross-cultural communication!
Where is it now? This play is currently available for performance. Contact me to discuss.