THE STORY: Amber and Tom, finding their way as freshmen at Princeton, spend a night together that alters the course of their lives. They agree on the drinking, they agree on the attraction, but consent is foggy, and if unspoken, can it be called consent? With lyricism and wit, ACTUALLY investigates gender and race politics, our crippling desire to fit in, and the three sides to every story.
“…[A] taut, devastating play…a smart, profoundly painful exploration of [a] murky, treacherous sexual culture…ACTUALLY’s great strength, and its great heartbreak, is that it allows us to see both Amber and Tom so fully…ACTUALLY’s wit and intelligence are part of what makes the complex darkness at its center hit so hard. There is brightness in this play, and in these people, and to see its sparks overwhelmed by such fearful and familiar shadows is shattering. In moments, it’s even revelatory.” —New York Magazine.
“Gripping…the characters are beautifully rendered and complex…[ACTUALLY is] destined to trigger discussion.” —Los Angeles Times.
“Ziegler’s riveting drama…creates a portrait of a generation struggling to keep its balance…with consummate skill, the playwright assembles [an] intricate jigsaw puzzle…” —Boston Globe.
“[A] psychologically complex and intentionally frustrating two-person drama…Ziegler’s meticulously detailed script is more than occasionally funny, despite its serious themes.” —Time Out New York.
“…smart and penetrating…a top-notch narrative that travels beyond the hot-button issue of date rape it tackles. The characters…are as finely etched as in a good novel, and as satisfying.” —LA Weekly.
“Crafted with compassion, intelligence and insight…Ziegler write sialogue that is equal parts humor and poignancy…[ACTUALLY] is not to be missed.” —TheaterMania.
