Lauren Gunderson

My name is Lauren Gunderson and I've been writing for the theatre since I was 16. Noticed for my interpretation of science and history onstage, I'm glad to have this space to share my work and my inspiration with you.
Stage Plays

BABY M * A modern science-drama combining maternity, murder and M theory. 2w, 1m 

BACKGROUND *^ a science-drama about the inspirational study of cosmology and the devastating effects of denied credit. Based on a true story of Dr. Ralph Alpher. 3m, 2w

DENISE2 + ^ The story of father who clones his wife and raises the child as his daughter- a morality tale around the next step in modern genetics

EMILIE: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life at the Petit Théâtre at Cirey Tonight ^ a sweeping science romantic epic wherein Emilie must defend her life by tallying her achievements in Love and Philosophy—and searching for a formula that will convince the world of her worth.

EYE OF THE BEHELD *+ Catarina helps a young Leonardo Da Vinci escape prison and influences his talent and heart. 1w, 2m

FORWARD*+ Two siblings kidnap their young step-sister and try for a family road-trip that matches poetry, parenting, and 24Hour News Coverage. 2m, 2w

LEAP *^ An inventive synthesis of science, history, and magic with Isaac Newton and two young sisters at its center. 2m, 3w

PARTS THEY CALL DEEP *^ A female, southern drama about life within a Winnebego, and life within a family. 3w, 1m (National Playwriting Award Winner)

PARTS THEY CALL DEEP *^ (One Act) The short version of the award winning play with a heavy female cast.

THE PURPLE PLAY + Two historical periods (Ancient Phoenicia and Industrial Revolutionary Britain) collide and combine in this science-drama centerd on the influence of the infamous and famous color purple. Two sets of lovers - a queen and an artist, and a scientist and his wife - challenge fate as they attempt happiness. 2w, 3m

SHRAPNEL +^ A collection of short, interweaving plays on the theme of a modern American war. Each short play is named after a different metal and presents the complexity of a violent, splintered world.

SUS MANOS * A play set in 1910 Mexico, when two women unite to defeat oppression and find love. 3m, 3w

WIDE WORLD ^ A commission from CUNY. Historical imaginings of the meeting of scientist Alexander Von Humboldt and President Thomas Jefferson in 1804. 3m, 2w

 

Screenplays

LEAP (screenplay version) A fabulously creative re-imagining of the award-winning play. co-authored

SOUTHLAND When Alice loses her best friend in an accident, she writes creative obituaries for the paper. Until she meets Sarah, a cancer patient who wants a living obituary. Family drama. *optioned for prod.

 

Ten Minute Plays

HEART. BEAT. ^ A young woman realizes her own stregnth to change her life while her abusive husband is in Iraq. 1w, drama

FOR WHOM THE BELL... ^ A serious Salvation Army bell-ringer makes charity your only option. Christmas Comedy. 3m, 2w

LAST TAPE * A cancer patient confronts herself with the help of a tape recorder in this novel omage to Beckett. 1w drama

LOS HUEVOS ^ 3 siblings recount the culinary adventures while making dinner for their parents anniversary. But is this a family celebration or a ritual of remeberence? 2w, 1m, drama

MASS ^ A one-woman play exploring Lieserl, the lost daughter of Einstein. Using relativity, the play presents a young woman searching for her father. 1w

MIDNIGHT BULLFIGHT ^ 5 young Civil Rights freedom fighters are dropped in the middle of Tennessee after protesting in Alabama. Can they make it to sunrise, and alive? Based on the story of Rep. John Lewis. drama 2w, 3m

OR NOT. ^ Picks up where HAMLET leaves off. Can Horatio get Hamlet's story right? Or will the authorities paint Hamlet's friend as a co-conspirator.

SHIFT A hilarious exploration of science's perspective on women as two radio technologists discover an alien signal that leads to progressively more 50's sci-fi mentality. 1m, 1w

STEEL ^ A suicide bomber and victim meet in the eerie in-between of life and death. Is forgiveness an option or another trick? 2 actors, drama

TWO CHAIRS *^ Following the lives (from birth to commitment) of two friends, the turns of a long love play out in this quick, funny, honest play. 1m, 1w