Aftershock
by Joe Calarco

Name: Aftershock
Brand: Joe Calarco
SKU: 9780573704628

Aftershock Book Cover — Aftershock Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

60 mins Present Day Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Synopsis

While preparing for a class paper about the aftermath of political tragedies, stories of survival come alive before contemporary high school student Ruth.

In the aftermath of Katrina, two young people struggle to survive in the face of extreme disaster.

In 1945 Belgium, an adolescent Jewish girl struggles to maintain her identity and dignity.

And, in the Congo, a girl faces situations that stretch beyond the devastating and into the unspeakable.

Each of these stories interconnect in ways that remind Ruth (and the audience) of the incredible suffering mankind has endured and persisted through.

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
NARRATOR a pre-recorded female voice for the documentary that starts the play. Has a very standard British accent but with all the flourishes (ie: rolled R’s). Pompous and self-congratulatory. Think Masterpiece Theater. When heard later in the play the affectation is gone and the voice is quite mesmerizing in a bewitching way.	female	—	a pre-recorded female voice for the documentary that starts the play. Has a very standard British accent but with all the flourishes (ie: rolled R’s). Pompous and self-congratulatory. Think Masterpiece Theater. When heard later in the play the affectation is gone and the voice is quite mesmerizing in a bewitching way.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Goes by Will) - The world famous writer at the age of 18. Has many things to say and do and write, but isn’t quite sure how to say or do or write them yet.	male	—	(Goes by Will) - The world famous writer at the age of 18. Has many things to say and do and write, but isn’t quite sure how to say or do or write them yet.
POPPI A good student. Enthusiastic. She always tries to smile and be friendly, but it’s an effort because people don’t often live up to her expectations. VERY involved in school activities. She is definitely a glass half full personality… until things go wrong.	female	—	A good student. Enthusiastic. She always tries to smile and be friendly, but it’s an effort because people don’t often live up to her expectations. VERY involved in school activities. She is definitely a glass half full personality… until things go wrong.
KYRA A natural observer. Wise beyond her years. A quiet strength that comes from necessity. Centered but always on the lookout, always searching.	female	—	A natural observer. Wise beyond her years. A quiet strength that comes from necessity. Centered but always on the lookout, always searching.
ALIX Passionate. Has very strong opinions on most subjects. She is always ready for a debate. The personal (as well as everything else) is always married to the political in her eyes. She is counting down the minutes to graduation so she can start living the life she knows she’s meant to live.	female	—	Passionate. Has very strong opinions on most subjects. She is always ready for a debate. The personal (as well as everything else) is always married to the political in her eyes. She is counting down the minutes to graduation so she can start living the life she knows she’s meant to live.
CHLOE Pretty and knows it. Not dumb at all and savvy enough to know that “pretty” can put you one step ahead of the pack in life, so she intends to cultivate that aspect of herself.	female	—	Pretty and knows it. Not dumb at all and savvy enough to know that “pretty” can put you one step ahead of the pack in life, so she intends to cultivate that aspect of herself.
CAT Very smart. An independent thinker. Aware of what is going on around her even if her head is always stuck in a book. Only speaks when it is necessary. Dry sense of humor. Probably not noticed that much in school except as that girl who is always reading in the corner, but when she graduates, she will probably take the world by storm.	female	—	Very smart. An independent thinker. Aware of what is going on around her even if her head is always stuck in a book. Only speaks when it is necessary. Dry sense of humor. Probably not noticed that much in school except as that girl who is always reading in the corner, but when she graduates, she will probably take the world by storm.
OLIVIA Very practical. Doesn’t stand for bull from anyone. Can seem not interested and sometimes combative, but that’s really just the armor she wears. Don’t hurt someone she loves ‘cause she will take you down.	female	—	Very practical. Doesn’t stand for bull from anyone. Can seem not interested and sometimes combative, but that’s really just the armor she wears. Don’t hurt someone she loves ‘cause she will take you down.
J.J. Likes high school life. Popular. Clearly enjoys life in general. More going on inside of her than she lets out.	female	—	Likes high school life. Popular. Clearly enjoys life in general. More going on inside of her than she lets out.
TEESHA A definite side kick to J.J. They are practically a team. A follower who should be a leader.	—	—	A definite side kick to J.J. They are practically a team. A follower who should be a leader.
ANNE HATHAWAY Shakespeare’s wife. 26 years old, so eight years his senior. Eight months pregnant. Can be shrewish, but that comes from her desperate love for her husband frustrated by his attention focused elsewhere. Very smart and very fiery which aren’t the ideal traits for a woman to have in the 16th century if she wants to find contentment.	female	—	Shakespeare’s wife. 26 years old, so eight years his senior. Eight months pregnant. Can be shrewish, but that comes from her desperate love for her husband frustrated by his attention focused elsewhere. Very smart and very fiery which aren’t the ideal traits for a woman to have in the 16th century if she wants to find contentment.