I and You Play⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides an in-depth exploration of Lauren Gunderson’s award-winning play, I and You. It delves into the play’s themes, characters, setting, and production history, offering insights into its critical reception and lasting impact.
About the Play
I and You is a two-act play written by Lauren Gunderson, a prominent American playwright. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores themes of life, death, and the profound power of human connection. This intimate play features just two characters⁚ Caroline, a high school student confined to her home due to illness, and Anthony, her classmate who arrives with a poetry assignment. Their interactions spark a deeper exploration of the human condition, revealing the complexities of youth, love, and the mysteries of life.
The play’s unique structure and engaging dialogue have made it a popular choice for both professional and amateur productions. I and You has received critical acclaim, earning the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award and being a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Playwrighting Prize. The play’s accessibility, its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, and its exploration of universal themes contribute to its enduring appeal.
The play’s script is readily available in PDF format online, providing a convenient and accessible platform for readers, actors, and directors to engage with the work. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre enthusiast or a newcomer to Gunderson’s work, I and You offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience. It’s a compelling story that explores the complexities of life and the beauty of human connection in a way that is both intimate and powerful.
The Author⁚ Lauren Gunderson
Lauren Gunderson is a renowned American playwright, screenwriter, and short story author, known for her insightful and engaging works that explore the complexities of human relationships and the power of storytelling. She is a prolific writer whose plays have been produced across the United States and internationally, earning her recognition as one of the most produced playwrights in America. Gunderson’s works are characterized by their accessibility, their exploration of universal themes, and their ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Gunderson’s play I and You, a two-hander that explores the profound connection between two high school students, is a prime example of her ability to weave together poignant dialogue with a deep understanding of the human condition. Her work has garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for I and You, the 2016 Lanford Wilson Award from the Dramatist Guild, and the 2016 Otis Gurnsey Award for Emerging Writer. Her plays have also been finalists for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the John Gassner Award for Playwriting.
Gunderson’s commitment to creating compelling and thought-provoking theatre is evident in her vast body of work, which includes plays such as The Book of Will, Silent Sky, and Miss Bennet⁚ Christmas at Pemberley. She is a prominent voice in contemporary American theatre, and her work continues to inspire and engage audiences worldwide. Her scripts, including I and You, are readily available in PDF format online, offering a convenient and accessible platform for readers, actors, and directors to engage with her unique and powerful style.
Play Synopsis
I and You is a captivating two-hander that unfolds within the confines of Caroline’s bedroom, a space overflowing with the vibrant energy of a teenage girl. Caroline, confined to her home due to illness, is unexpectedly visited by Anthony, her classmate, who arrives with a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, a shared assignment for their poetry class. What begins as a seemingly mundane school project quickly transforms into a profound exploration of life, love, and the enduring power of human connection.
As Caroline and Anthony delve into Whitman’s poetry, they uncover a shared passion for music and language, revealing their vulnerabilities, fears, and dreams. Their conversations, infused with humor, honesty, and a touch of melancholy, unravel a deeper mystery that has brought them together. The play, at its core, is a celebration of youth, a testament to the beauty of life, and a poignant reflection on the fragility of existence.
Through their interactions, Gunderson delves into themes of mortality, friendship, and the transformative power of shared experiences. The play is a compelling journey of discovery, both for the characters and for the audience, as they navigate the complexities of human relationships and the unexpected turns of life. I and You is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of human connection, even in the face of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Characters
I and You features a cast of two, each embodying distinct personalities and complexities. Caroline, the play’s protagonist, is a young woman confined to her home due to illness. Despite her physical limitations, Caroline is a vibrant and spirited individual with a deep love for poetry and music. She possesses a sharp wit and a contemplative nature, often reflecting on the meaning of life and her place in the world.
Anthony, Caroline’s classmate, is a well-rounded and mature young man who brings a sense of groundedness and practicality to the play. He is an A student, a team player, and a seemingly “nice guy.” However, beneath his seemingly polished exterior lies a depth of emotion and a yearning for connection. He is drawn to Caroline’s unconventional spirit and her unique perspective on life.
The dynamic between Caroline and Anthony is central to the play’s exploration of human connection. Their contrasting personalities and shared experiences create a compelling tension that drives the narrative forward; Their interactions highlight the ways in which individuals can learn from each other, challenge each other, and ultimately, find solace and support in each other’s company.
Themes
I and You explores a range of profound themes that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. At its core, the play is a poignant meditation on the power of human connection in the face of life’s challenges. It highlights the transformative nature of friendship and the ways in which individuals can find solace and support in each other’s company, even amidst adversity. The play also delves into the complexities of youth, examining the anxieties, aspirations, and uncertainties that accompany the transition into adulthood.
The play further explores the enduring themes of love, loss, and mortality. Through Caroline’s journey, Gunderson explores the fragility of life and the importance of embracing the present moment. The play also delves into the profound impact that music and poetry can have on the human spirit, serving as a powerful means of expression, connection, and understanding. I and You ultimately celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human experience, reminding us of the power of connection, the importance of living in the present, and the enduring legacy of love and art.
Setting
The setting of I and You is a single, intimate space⁚ Caroline’s bedroom. This carefully crafted setting serves as a microcosm of her world, reflecting her personality, interests, and inner life. It is a space filled with personal touches, revealing Caroline’s love for poetry, music, and the natural world. The room is described as “charming, mysterious, and poetic,” creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and slightly unsettling. This unique blend of elements adds depth to the play, underscoring the complexity of Caroline’s character and the underlying themes of the story.
The play’s setting is not merely a backdrop; it actively participates in the unfolding drama. The objects in Caroline’s room – from her bookshelves to her window overlooking the trees – become symbolic extensions of her character and her relationship with Anthony. The confined space of the bedroom further emphasizes the intimacy of their encounter and the intensity of their connection. The setting serves as a catalyst for their emotional exploration, creating a space where they can confront their fears, vulnerabilities, and ultimately, their shared humanity.
Awards and Recognition
I and You has garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying its position as a prominent contemporary play. The play’s most prestigious award is the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, a coveted recognition bestowed upon outstanding new works of American theatre. This award highlights the play’s originality, thematic depth, and its ability to resonate with audiences. Gunderson’s play was also a finalist for the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, further emphasizing its impact on the theatrical landscape.
Beyond these major awards, I and You has been recognized for its compelling storytelling and its powerful exploration of themes relevant to contemporary audiences. The play has been produced widely across the United States and internationally, garnering praise for its intimate performances, its poetic language, and its exploration of the complex dynamics of human connection. The play’s enduring popularity and its continued production in various theatre settings stand as a testament to its enduring relevance and its ability to captivate audiences.
Production History
I and You has enjoyed a remarkable production history since its debut, showcasing its enduring appeal to audiences and theatre companies alike. The play’s initial production was in 2013 at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California, where it received critical acclaim and established its reputation as a compelling and thought-provoking work. The play’s success led to numerous subsequent productions throughout the United States, including notable runs at the Public Theater in New York City and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. I and You has also been produced internationally, with productions in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
The play’s popularity has extended beyond traditional theatre venues, with productions staged in schools, community centers, and even unconventional spaces. I and You has become a popular choice for high school and college theatre programs, allowing students to explore complex themes and characters in a captivating setting. The play’s accessibility and its suitability for a wide range of performance venues have contributed significantly to its widespread production and its enduring presence in the theatrical landscape.
Reviews and Critical Reception
I and You has garnered widespread praise from critics, who have lauded its poignant themes, masterful dialogue, and compelling performances. Critics have consistently highlighted the play’s ability to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, while exploring profound questions about life, death, and the power of human connection. The play’s intimate setting and its focus on a two-character dynamic have been praised for creating an intensely personal and immersive experience for audiences.
Reviewers have also commended Gunderson’s insightful exploration of adolescent identity and the complexities of human relationships; The play’s exploration of themes such as illness, loss, and the search for meaning has resonated with audiences of all ages. I and You has been lauded for its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impression long after the curtain falls. The play’s critical success has solidified its reputation as a powerful and moving theatrical experience.
Where to Find the Play
I and You is readily accessible for those interested in reading or performing the play. The script is available through various online platforms and publishers, ensuring a wide reach for enthusiasts and theater companies. The play is published by Playscripts, Inc., a leading publisher of plays for young audiences. Playscripts provides both print and digital versions of the script, making it convenient for individuals and groups to access and utilize the material.
In addition to Playscripts, I and You is also available through Bloomsbury Publishing, another prominent publisher of plays. Online platforms such as Scribd and Amazon offer digital versions of the script, allowing for easy download and access. Furthermore, the play’s official website, IAndYouPlay.tumblr.com, provides valuable resources and information for those seeking to learn more about the play and its production history. This comprehensive availability ensures that I and You remains accessible to a wide audience, fostering its continued popularity and impact.
Performance Notes
I and You presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for directors and performers. The play’s intimate setting and the emotional intensity of the characters’ relationship demand a nuanced and sensitive approach. The playwright’s notes emphasize the importance of creating a realistic and believable teen girl’s bedroom, which serves as the sole setting for the entire play.
The playwright, Lauren Gunderson, also suggests that the director work closely with the actors to develop a strong understanding of the characters’ motivations and emotional journeys. The play’s themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning require careful exploration and interpretation.
While the play is only 90-100 minutes long, the intensity of the emotional content and the intimate nature of the two-hander format make it a demanding but rewarding experience for both actors and audiences.
Impact and Legacy
I and You has had a profound impact on the contemporary theatre landscape, solidifying Lauren Gunderson’s reputation as a leading voice in American playwriting. The play’s exploration of universal themes, its captivating characters, and its intimate setting have resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Beyond its critical acclaim, I and You has fostered a vibrant dialogue about the power of theatre to illuminate the human experience. Its popularity has led to numerous productions across the United States and internationally, bringing the play’s message of connection, hope, and the beauty of life to a wide range of audiences.
The play’s lasting impact is evident in its continued production, its inclusion in high school and college curriculums, and its ongoing relevance to discussions about youth, identity, and the search for meaning. I and You has left an undeniable mark on the world of theatre, inspiring countless artists and audiences alike.
