The Why

The Why by Victor Kaufold

(0)
Productions (20)
Tragicomedy
|
80 - 90 minutes
1 W, 3 M,  (4-26 actors possible: 1-6 W, 3-20 M)
Content Notes: Adult language and violence
Set: None

A fast-paced tragicomedy; one part modern satire, one part honest investigation. The central story concerns Robert, an American teenager guilty of murdering three of his classmates in what has come to be referred to as a school shooting. Spliced among the dramatic exchanges between Robert and his assigned social worker, a parade of fantastical stereotypes storms in and out, creating a dichotomy between moments of hilarity and sorrow. Confronted by disturbingly accurate exaggerations of the tabloid-like modern media, the audience is made to laugh, and then question that laughter.

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Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

A fast-paced tragicomedy; one part modern satire, one part honest investigation. The central story concerns Robert, an American teenager guilty of murdering three of his classmates in what has come to be referred to as a school shooting. Spliced among the dramatic exchanges between Robert and his assigned social worker, a parade of fantastical stereotypes storms in and out, creating a dichotomy between moments of hilarity and sorrow. Confronted by disturbingly accurate exaggerations of the tabloid-like modern media, the audience is made to laugh, and then question that laughter.

  • Tragicomedy
  • |
  • 80 - 90 minutes
  • 1 W, 3 M,  (4-26 actors possible: 1-6 W, 3-20 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult language and violence
  • Set: None

Published Reviews

"An episodic, highly expressive, contemplative play, equally balanced between satire and sadness. An impressive debut."

Steve Oxman, Variety

"A darkly comic look at the factors that perpetuate school shootings."

Michel Hainer, Teen People Magazine

"Dark and wickedly funny."

Williard Manus, Playbill On-Line

"The overwhelming horrors addressed in this highly original work give me hope that a new generation of eloquent expressive writers are out there with significant insight to illuminate the human condition, and challenge us once again."

Gerri Garner, Kaleidoscope Radio Magazine

"Thought provoking, socially relevant and witty."

Laura Weinert, Backstage West

"Kaufold's play articulately explores this urgent issue [while] slyly satirizing the unfocused energy of youth and the dwindling attention span of newscasts."

Philip Brandes, Los Angeles Times

"Finds the right balance between unsettling humor and pure tragedy. A praiseworthy debut by a promising young talent."

Les Spindel, Back Stage West

Production History

JUN 07, 2019 - JUN 08, 2019
PURE Theater
Charleston, SC United States
 PURE Theater Charleston, SC United States
FEB 08, 2019 - FEB 09, 2019
Augustana Theatre
Rock Island, IL United States
 Augustana Theatre Rock Island, IL United States
MAY 01, 2016 - MAY 02, 2016
Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA United States
 Pacific Lutheran University Parkland, WA United States
MAR 05, 2015 - MAR 07, 2015
St. John's Players
St. John's, NF Canada
 St. John's Players St. John's, NF Canada
OCT 10, 2014 - OCT 19, 2014
The Blank Theatre
Los Angeles, CA United States
 The Blank Theatre Los Angeles, CA United States
SEP 16, 2014 - SEP 28, 2014
The Blank Theatre
Los Angeles, CA United States
 The Blank Theatre Los Angeles, CA United States
MAR 21, 2012 - MAR 24, 2012
WCU School Of Stage & Screen
Cullowhee, NC United States
 WCU School Of Stage & Screen Cullowhee, NC United States
NOV 10, 2011 - NOV 12, 2011
Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls, IA United States
 Cedar Falls High School Cedar Falls, IA United States
JAN 06, 2011 - JAN 06, 2011
Community Players Theatre
Beatrice, NE United States
 Community Players Theatre Beatrice, NE United States
APR 16, 2010 - APR 17, 2010
N/A
Greeley, CO United States
 N/A Greeley, CO United States
OCT 10, 2007 - OCT 28, 2007
Simpatico Theatre Project
Philadelphia, PA United States
 Simpatico Theatre Project Philadelphia, PA United States
OCT 01, 2007 - OCT 28, 2007
Simpatico Theatre Project
Philadelphia, PA United States
 Simpatico Theatre Project Philadelphia, PA United States
AUG 24, 2007 - SEP 01, 2007
Questionable Theatre Players
Auburn, CA United States
 Questionable Theatre Players Auburn, CA United States
JUL 14, 2005 - JUL 23, 2005
Minds Eye Theatre
Leawood, KS United States
 Minds Eye Theatre Leawood, KS United States
MAY 10, 2005 - MAY 12, 2005
Brookhaven High School Drama
Columbus, OH United States
 Brookhaven High School Drama Columbus, OH United States
APR 20, 2005 - APR 23, 2005
Mountain Vista High School
Highlands Ranch, CO United States
 Mountain Vista High School Highlands Ranch, CO United States
APR 30, 2004 - APR 30, 2004
CrossRoads High School/Middle School
Holly Springs, GA United States
 CrossRoads High School/Middle School Holly Springs, GA United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
ShenanArts
Staunton, VA United States
 ShenanArts Staunton, VA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Annandale High School
Annandale, VA United States
 Annandale High School Annandale, VA United States
JAN 01, 2000 - DEC 31, 2000
The Blank Theatre Company
Los Angeles, CA United States
 The Blank Theatre Company Los Angeles, CA United States
No upcoming productions.
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
ShenanArts
Staunton, VA United States
 ShenanArts Staunton, VA United States
JAN 01, 2000 - DEC 31, 2000
The Blank Theatre Company
Los Angeles, CA United States
 The Blank Theatre Company Los Angeles, CA United States

Awards (2)

Young Playwrights Festival winner, 2000 (The Blank Theatre Company, Los Angeles)

Ovation Award nomination, 2000 (Theatre League Alliance, Los Angeles)

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