One Act
Drama
3M

Play

A Measure of Cruelty


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Synopsis

After a horrifying act of bullying, one of the perpetrators, Derek, is hidden away by a recently discharged, traumatized soldier Buddy, who hides Derek away in his father Teddy’s bar in the days after the crime. In a blistering 80 minutes all three men have to face each other, themselves, and the dangerous, antiquated, but still potent, definitions of masculinity they all inherited.

Casting & Production


Casting

DEREK — 15 years old. Infuriating. Dazzling. Lost.

BUDDY — In his 30s. Working class. Haunted.

TEDDY — In his 60s. Buddy’s father. Gruff but warm. Time September 2005 Place An old school bar in Binghamton, New York


Setting

Time
September 2005

Place
An old school bar in Binghamton, New York


Reviews

“This is one of those benchmark productions that people will reference for the next decade. A stunning world premiere. A triumph!”
—Florida Theater On Stage

“The casual cruelty that constructs men’s certainty they’re real men and the cost of that violence to others and to themselves comes under scathing scrutiny in Joe Calarco’s shattering A Measure of Cruelty. It’s at once a punch in the gut and a tug to the heart.”
—DC Metro Theatre Arts