Plays

I write with depth and humor about serious subjects. My two interdisciplinary degrees have enabled me to ask complex questions about many subjects, and I'm passionate about dramatic storytelling that helps us see issues in a new light. Also, I love dialogue. As a teacher, I've facilitated shows created entirely from overheard conversations, because the artistic inspiration we seek is all around us.

Waiting for Waiting for Godot
10-minute play, 4 Female-Presenting. All may be any race.
Two female theatre artists kill time in their run-down office while they wait for the rights to perform Waiting for Godot. The problem? Beckett’s estate doesn’t let women perform in the show. Should they keep waiting for something that might never come, or get on with their lives and create their own art?
(Receiving NY production, Summer 2022)

With Open Eyes
10-minute play, 1m, 1W, 1 unspecified. All may be any race.
"He" surprises "She" with a marriage proposal. They both know they've never loved anyone else the way they love each other, but "She" is wise enough to know that love may not be enough. Will she say yes despite having an inkling of what the future holds?
(Has received three productions as of fall, 2018)

The Emperor's New Clothes
45-minute play, 1W, 2M, 3 unspecified. All may be any race.
This banter-filled, uptempo take on the classic tale is retold for our time. The Emperor's yes men (and women) have too much to lose to challenge their leader's outrageous comments, but a child, unschooled as of yet in the culture of denial, is able to speak the truth the adults are afraid to see.
(Has received two productions as of fall, 2018)

Coming Soon:
The Christmas Jew
Naomi is a Jewish actor, and is in her fifth production of A Christmas Carol. It's also the first night of Hanukkah, and her mom is pretty upset that she's not home to celebrate. This play with music is a merry look at balancing the different aspects of our identities while practicing a Cockney accent.

Suffrajistu
Based on a true story, this play relates how some British suffragists took self-protection seriously after some rough encounters with police. Edith and her husband inherit their jiu-jitsu teacher's studio when he returns to his native Japan, and Edith secretly teaches the martial art to her friends and fellow protesters. This story connects with modern debates about Antifa, protesting, and how far people should go for causes they believe in.

Email karen.a.sabo@gmail.com for information about scripts