Speech & Debate
by Stephen Karam

Name: Speech & Debate
Brand: Stephen Karam
SKU: 9780822222866
Rating: 3.69 (451 reviews)

Off-Broadway

Speech & Debate Book Cover — Speech & Debate Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

105 minsPresent DayRole(s) for Teen(s)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the smart and funny writing of the play, praising its portrayal of teenage angst and complex issues surrounding adolescence. Many find the characters relatable and the dialogue engaging, making it a compelling read. However, some critics express disappointment with the lack of resolution in the ending, feeling it leaves too many questions unanswered.

Smart and funny writingRelatable charactersEngaging dialogueEnding lacks resolution

Synopsis

In a dark comedy with music, three Salem, Oregon teenage misfits find themselves linked by a sex scandal causing havoc in their town.

Press Reviews

"[A] savvy comedy… bristling with vitality, wicked humor, terrific dialogue and a direct pipeline into the zeitgeist of contemporary youth."
— Variety

"A strong, rangy play… beautifully nails the indirection and crossed-wire communication of teenagers bubbling over with contradictory needs and insecurities."
— Newsday (NY)

"Karam comes through as a writer whose voice is clear, laugh-out-loud funny and uncannily tuned to the way teens talk."
— New York Daily News

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Diwata 17	—	—	17
Howie 18	—	—	18
Teacher/Reporter 40s, female; the Teacher and Reporter could (I think should) be played by one actress. These roles are not caricatures.	female	40s	40s, female; the Teacher and Reporter could (I think should) be played by one actress. These roles are not caricatures.
Solomon 16	—	—	16