CHARACTERS
TONY – Male – 70s
REVIEWS
The following reviews have been posted on NEW PLAY EXCHANGE
12 Sep. 2023
“ My goodness. As an actor for twenty years who has recently started writing plays, when I read the works of another playwright I read them as if performing them. I couldn’t make it through this piece without weeping. I have an emotional support cat who alerted to make sure I was ok half-way through my reading the piece. That should tell you how this piece makes a reader feel. It’s a powerful piece. And a beautiful piece. I’m so glad I came across it. ”
******
24 Jun. 2023
“ Paul Smith has written a poignant tribute to a lover slowly departing this earth, using simple, fluid dialogue and gorgeous images. The words clear, expressive and you couldn’t help but feel the love of Tony, the friends and caregivers, and even Jasper, the beloved dog, who seemed to know what was coming. I had to take a deep breath and sit for a moment after reading this moving play, which I’m sure will resonate on a stage or on the radio. Well done! ”
******
28 May. 2023
“ This is such an amazing journey of one man’s love affair with his partner Jose who was Tony so eloquently puts it, his eye as well as his love and there is nothing so crushing as to hear Tony say goodbye to this lover. The language is so simplistic in feel and it is that simplicity that tears at your heart long after you finish reading and have time to think back on just one man’s journey through love and goodbyes and of course grief. ”
******
18 May. 2023
“ A story of loss told matter-of-factly in a deceptively simple way. The words lead us to the inevitable emotional conclusion. There is nothing simple about this monologue from Paul Smith except that it is simply breathtaking. ”
******
13 May. 2023
“ The verbal simplicity … the staccato delivery of this expression of traumatic loss goes layers deep … captures the numbness of the tragic experience of watching a loved one fade away. A powerful, poignant portrayal of love and dealing with grief. Just beautiful! ”
******
12 May. 2023
“ Drawn in by a recommendation by Mr Sickles, I’m not sure I can say more than is already said.
This monologue is profoundly moving, yet subtle, loving and real. The way Paul sets this is very clever, his protagonist speaks the words of those around him, while having his partners guide dog by his side. No wonder the doctor and nurses treat them like royalty.
This really is stunning work and produced real tears. ”
This monologue is profoundly moving, yet subtle, loving and real. The way Paul sets this is very clever, his protagonist speaks the words of those around him, while having his partners guide dog by his side. No wonder the doctor and nurses treat them like royalty.
This really is stunning work and produced real tears. ”
******
12 May. 2023
“ Unspeakably beautiful.
Rarely has an account of loss been told with such grace and simplicity. There are no histrionics, no keening or screaming into the void. There is only what is. Hard, sad truths. Dignity and kindness. So much love. So very much.
Take your time with this one. Savor it, like a good chilled wine or yesterday’s risotto after the flavor has settled in. Like the time you should have spent but didn’t. Spend it now, slowly. You won’t regret it. Quite the opposite. ”
Rarely has an account of loss been told with such grace and simplicity. There are no histrionics, no keening or screaming into the void. There is only what is. Hard, sad truths. Dignity and kindness. So much love. So very much.
Take your time with this one. Savor it, like a good chilled wine or yesterday’s risotto after the flavor has settled in. Like the time you should have spent but didn’t. Spend it now, slowly. You won’t regret it. Quite the opposite. ”
RUNNING TIME
Approximately 7-10 minutes
