Sabrina makes plays
The world needs new stories that disrupt the paradigms that bind us to outdated and ineffective systems. In particular, emerging adults need stories that allow them to step into their full vulnerability and power, with the same amount of trust and cultural support that we give to plays written for professionals. I am devoted to writing and supporting the development of plays and musicals that embrace this proposition, and those that ask us to watch and listen anew.
Plays
In addition to several works in process, the following pieces are currently available for production.
WE WEAR THE MASK by Sabrina Jacob Washburn
Cast: 4–20
Genre: Comedy, drama, plays for young adults, pandemic/virtual theatre
WE WEAR THE MASK is a collection of five short plays that each happens in the context of a video call. Some of the plays take place in a pandemic and others happen in the before-times. Each play seeks to uncover the things about ourselves that hide behind our social masks. This collection of work was inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem “The Mask,” which can be performed as a prologue to the production (with special permission obtained from CMG Worldwide), as well as a quote from James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time. Here are short descriptions of each piece:
Camp Longview: Four friends gather on FaceTime to toast their old camp days as their beloved Camp Longview is set to close due to the pandemic. As they see each other for the first time in several years, uncovered secrets cast complicated webs that become impossible to untangle. We explore police brutality, sexuality, betrayal, and the familial ties that bind us. Approx. 25 minutes. 4 characters.
Baby Reborn: Two classmates meet on FaceTime to discuss the handoff of a health class project: co-parenting a baby doll that cries and needs to be soothed at all hours of the day and night. Through negotiating the details of this exchange, Elijah and Ana learn more about one another and what it means to sacrifice for one’s family. We explore socio-economic differences, hypocrisy, responsibility, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Approx. 17 minutes. 2 characters.
Runneth Over: Two friends prepare to have the study date of a lifetime with a screen star who attends their college. A little misunderstanding throws a wrench in the plans that turn the video call into a proper farce. We explore miscommunication, menstruation, and getting stuck. Approx. 16 minutes. 3 characters.
Paint’N Sip: A makeup influencer turns the pandemic into a money-making opportunity by hosting weekly “Paint Yourself & Sip” classes over Zoom. There are class regulars and newbies in attendance who get to know each other as they- literally- paint their faces. The “sip” part of the class is a special highlight that turns up the figurative volume on the action until it gets nice and messy. We explore mental health, friendship, and the ridiculous faith we put in influencers to lead the way to happiness. Approx. 11 minutes. 11 characters.
The Red Sweatshirt: Two friends are on a FaceTime call in their respective bedrooms after getting home from a party together. Luisa isn’t in the mood to talk, but Nell is ready to keep the party going. As Nell tries to cheer her pal up, the two friends slowly reveal how they feel about each other until it is clear that they may not be just friends. We explore grief and friendship while slowly uncovering the complexity of platonic, sexual, and romantic love. Approx. 12 minutes. 2 characters.
The original production included:
- Prologue: A choreopoem performance of Maya Angelou's "The Mask" (rights obtained by CMG Worldwide separately)
- Transition between Paint'N Sip and The Red Sweatshirt: A song called "Love Takes Off the Mask," inspired by and adapted from James Baldwin's famous quote (available upon request)