Darkside

by Ken Jones

Drama / 3m, 2f / Two American astronauts are stranded in a lunar landing module on the dark side of the moon while a third orbits in the command module. As they work with ground control toward rescue, flashbacks reveal their stories.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[William W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically, plays are hard to read, but this one was riveting. Stranded astronauts on the moon! I'm hooked. The author uses the moon as a place for the misbegotten. It's a godless wilderness where hopes, dreams, fears and frustrations are easily cauterized; where love and death co exist in zero gravity. Yet it is also a perfect allegorical backdrop for human frailties, especially the loneliness of the long distance heroes.

[Matt Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic play! I can see why it was a Time Magazines' Critic Choice in the 1980's, and yet its themes are still relevant today. If you're a producing theatre company, then you should read this drama. What other play has astronauts? The play has it all soul, suspense, symbolism and surprises. Add to that medley a dash of humor and a speck of irony.

[Susan Miley · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARKSIDE is a compelling drama, but also includes lots of humor and a good dose of explanation on why humans must explore. The DARKSIDE refers not only to the moon but also the other side of the astronauts personalities. Riveting.

[Pat Mckay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deeply flawed script.