I and You by Lauren Gunderson is a poignant two-character drama exploring human connection through a high school poetry project. Winner of the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, it delves into themes of youth, life, and existential questions, blending poetic theatricality with raw emotion. This 80-minute, one-act play follows Caroline and Anthony as they uncover deeper truths, culminating in a surprising twist that underscores the beauty of human bonds.
1.1 Overview of the Play
I and You is a one-act play exploring human connection through two teenagers, Caroline and Anthony, working on a poetry project. Blending Walt Whitman’s verse with their personal struggles, the play uncovers profound truths about life, identity, and existential questions; Its real-time setting and poetic depth create a compelling narrative, culminating in a surprising twist that highlights the beauty of human relationships.
1.2 Background of the Playwright
Lauren Gunderson is a celebrated playwright known for lyrical prose and exploring human connections. Her play I and You won the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award and was a Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist. With over 20 works, she is a leading voice in theatre, blending poetic elements with raw emotion to create impactful stories.
Plot Summary of “I and You”
I and You follows Caroline and Anthony, two teenagers, as they work on a poetry project centered on Walt Whitman. What begins as a mundane assignment evolves into a profound exploration of life, connection, and identity, culminating in a surprising twist that reveals Caroline’s secret and the deeper purpose of their collaboration.
2.1 The Setup: Two Teenagers and a Poetry Project
The play opens with Caroline, a ill and introverted teenager, and Anthony, her classmate, working on a poetry project about Walt Whitman. Set in Caroline’s bedroom, the scene begins with her reluctance and Anthony’s enthusiasm. Their contrasting personalities—Caroline’s cynicism and Anthony’s charm—create initial tension, but their collaboration on Walt Whitman’s poetry gradually reveals deeper layers of their lives and emotions, setting the stage for unexpected connections.
2.2 The Twist: Unlocking Deeper Mysteries
The play takes a profound turn as Caroline and Anthony’s project evolves, revealing unexpected connections. Their collaboration on Walt Whitman’s poetry uncovers hidden truths about Caroline’s health and the reason behind their unlikely pairing. The twist not only deepens their bond but also highlights the play’s thematic core, emphasizing the transcendent power of human connection and shared experiences. This revelation leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Character Breakdown
Caroline and Anthony are contrasting yet complementary characters. Caroline, ill and introspective, contrasts with Anthony’s outgoing nature, creating a dynamic that explores human connection and vulnerability through their shared journey.
3.1 Caroline: The Ill and Introspective Teenager
Caroline, portrayed as a chronically ill and introspective teenager, initially appears disconnected due to her health struggles. Her sharp wit and sarcasm mask a deep emotional complexity, gradually revealed as she confronts her mortality and the meaning of human connection. Through her journey, Caroline embodies resilience and vulnerability, making her a compelling and relatable character.
3.2 Anthony: The Opposite but Complementary Character
Anthony, Caroline’s counterpart, is an energetic and optimistic teenager who contrasts her introspective nature. His enthusiasm for Walt Whitman’s poetry and life’s beauty gradually draws Caroline out of her shell. Together, their dynamic reveals deeper truths about connection and existence, making Anthony a pivotal character in the play’s emotional journey.
Themes in “I and You”
The play explores themes of human connection, youth, life, love, and existential questions, highlighting the beauty and agony of connections.
4.1 The Beauty and Agony of Human Connection
I and You captures the delicate dance of human relationships, revealing both the profound beauty and the agonizing vulnerabilities that come with connecting deeply with others.
4.2 Youth, Life, Love, and Existential Questions
I and You explores the vibrant struggles of adolescence, delving into universal themes of identity, love, and the meaning of life. Through Caroline and Anthony’s journey, the play captures the intensity of youth, where questions about existence intertwine with the beauty of human connection and the fleeting nature of life, resonating deeply with audiences of all ages.
Poetic and Theatrical Elements
I and You masterfully weaves Walt Whitman’s poetry into its narrative, creating a lyrical exploration of identity and connection. The play’s theatricality shines through its imaginative structure and emotional depth, blending poetic language with raw human truth to craft a deeply moving and introspective experience.
5.1 The Role of Walt Whitman’s Poetry
Walt Whitman’s poetry is central to I and You, weaving his lyrical reflections on identity and connection into the narrative. The play’s title and themes echo Whitman’s celebration of human unity, with his verse serving as both a literal and metaphorical bridge between the characters. Caroline and Anthony’s exploration of his work mirrors their own journey of self-discovery, highlighting the timeless relevance of Whitman’s words in understanding life’s complexities.
5.2 The Play’s Imaginative and Emotional Depth
I and You captivates through its imaginative structure and profound emotional resonance. The play seamlessly intertwines real-time dialogue with poetic imagery, creating a layered narrative that moves from simple homework to existential revelation. Gunderson’s writing balances humor and heartache, drawing audiences into the characters’ inner worlds. This emotional depth transforms a mundane setting into a space of vulnerability and connection, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Awards and Recognition
I and You earned the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, showcasing Lauren Gunderson’s rising acclaim in contemporary theatre.
6.1 Winner of the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award
Lauren Gunderson’s I and You claimed the prestigious Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award in 2014, recognizing its innovative storytelling and emotional depth. This honor highlighted the play’s unique exploration of human connection and its ability to resonate deeply with audiences, solidifying Gunderson’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary theatre.
6.2 Finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
I and You was a finalist for the 2014 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, a prestigious award honoring exceptional female playwrights. This recognition underscored the play’s emotional depth and its exploration of themes such as youth, life, and the complexities of human connection. The prize further cemented Lauren Gunderson’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary theatre, showcasing her ability to craft compelling and thought-provoking stories.
Performance and Production History
I and You premiered as part of the NNPN Rolling World Premiere, commissioned by South Coast Rep. Its first production debuted in 2013, captivating audiences nationwide.
7.1 Premiere and Rolling World Premiere Details
I and You premiered in 2013 as part of the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere program. Commissioned by South Coast Rep, it debuted at Marin Theatre Company, followed by productions at Olney Theatre, Geva Theatre, and Phoenix Theatre. This collaborative model allowed the play to reach diverse audiences nationwide, showcasing its universal themes and emotional depth.
7.2 Audience and Critical Reception
I and You received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and poetic storytelling. Audiences praised its nuanced portrayal of teenage vulnerability and connection. Critics highlighted Lauren Gunderson’s masterful dialogue and the play’s ability to balance humor with profound introspection. The production was celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and the chemistry between its two characters, resonating deeply with diverse audiences nationwide.
The Play’s Structure and Style
I and You features a real-time, one-act structure with brisk pacing, blending poetic theatricality and simple truths to create emotional depth and intimacy, keeping audiences fully engaged.
8.1 Real-Time Setting and Pacing
I and You unfolds in real-time, set entirely in Caroline’s bedroom, creating an intimate, focused atmosphere. The brisk pacing of this one-act play keeps audiences engaged as the story progresses naturally, mirroring the flow of a real conversation. This structure enhances the emotional depth, allowing the audience to witness the characters’ growth and connection without interruption, making the experience feel immediate and authentic.
8.2 Intertwining Simple Truths with Poetic Theatricality
Gunderson masterfully blends simple, relatable moments with poetic depth, creating a theatrical experience that feels both intimate and profound. The play’s dialogue often mirrors Walt Whitman’s poetic structures, reflecting themes of identity and connection. This fusion of the mundane with the poetic elevates everyday truths, making the emotional journey of the characters feel universal and deeply resonant, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The Significance of the Title
I and You reflects the universal human experience of connection, inspired by Walt Whitman’s poetry. The title captures the essence of relationships, emphasizing unity and shared humanity.
9.1 “I and You” as a Reflection of Human Relationships
The title reflects the intricate dynamics of human connections, capturing the essence of unity and shared experiences. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s poetry, it symbolizes the bond between two individuals, Caroline and Anthony, as they navigate life, love, and existential questions through a poetry project. The play underscores how relationships reveal deeper truths about ourselves and others.
9.2 The Universal Message of Connection
The play conveys a universal message about the power of human connection, transcending individual stories to speak to shared experiences. Through Caroline and Anthony’s journey, it highlights how even the simplest interactions can lead to profound understanding. Drawing inspiration from Walt Whitman’s poetry, the play reminds us that connection is the essence of our humanity, fostering empathy and unity across divides.
Availability of the Play in PDF Format
The play I and You by Lauren Gunderson is widely available in PDF format online. It can be downloaded from platforms like the Internet Archive or New Play Exchange, offering the full script for easy access and reading.
10.1 Features of the PDF Version
The PDF version of I and You includes the full script, postscript by Lauren Gunderson, and insights into the play’s themes. It is formatted for easy reading, preserving the play’s poetic depth and emotional resonance. The PDF is accessible from platforms like the Internet Archive and New Play Exchange, ensuring widespread availability for both educational and personal use.
10.2 Where to Access the Play Script
The PDF version of I and You is available for free download on platforms like the Internet Archive and New Play Exchange. It can also be accessed through select theatrical databases and educational resources. The script is published by Theatre Communications Group and was first made available in 2014, following its premiere and critical acclaim. Readers can easily find and download it for personal or educational purposes.
I and You leaves a lasting impact on audiences, blending poetic depth with emotional truth. Lauren Gunderson’s work continues to resonate, solidifying her legacy in contemporary theatre.
11.1 The Lasting Impact of “I and You”
I and You resonates deeply, offering a universal message of connection and hope. Its exploration of youth, life, and existential questions lingers, inspiring reflection on human bonds. Lauren Gunderson’s masterful storytelling leaves audiences moved, while its poetic depth and emotional authenticity ensure its place in contemporary theatre, continuing to influence and captivate new generations of playwrights and theatre enthusiasts alike.
11.2 Lauren Gunderson’s Legacy in Contemporary Theatre
Lauren Gunderson is a leading voice in modern theatre, celebrated for her emotional depth and poetic storytelling. With I and You, she cemented her reputation as a master of blending humanity with theatricality. Her works, rich with universal themes, continue to inspire audiences and playwrights alike, solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential playwrights of her generation.