Stop Kiss Play Summary

A Non-Linear Narrative Structure

Stop Kiss, a play by Diana Son, digs deep into how humans connect, what love can do, and how society's rules shape us. It's set in New York City and follows two women, Callie and Sara, who fall for each other. But their journey isn't smooth; they deal with a world that's not always kind to them. The play flips back and forth between before and after they get attacked after sharing a kiss. This setup makes you think harder about what they're going through.

Exploring Love in a Vibrant, Unforgiving City

At first, Callie, who's a traffic reporter, and Sara, a teacher, become good friends. As time passes, friendship grows into something more—love. But NYC isn't just bright lights; it's tough too. Their love story is about finding themselves as they figure out their feelings and identities. Can you imagine the bravery it takes to do that?

Challenging Societal Norms through Callie's Journey

The character of Callie shows us what it's like when society tells you who to be. She's scared to love Sara at first because she's worried about what others might say or do. But as their bond strengthens, she starts questioning everything she's been told about love and relationships.

Sara's Journey of Self-Discovery

Sara's story is different; she's new to this self-discovery thing. Her innocence gets tested by a world not ready to see her love another woman. It takes guts to be yourself when the world seems against you.

Exploring Power Dynamics within Relationships

The play also talks about who holds power in relationships. Enter George—Callie's ex-boyfriend—who can't handle her loving Sara now. He's all about control and can't accept that Callie decides who she loves. This struggle leads up to that violent moment the play revolves around.

A Powerful and Tense Narrative

The jumping timeline keeps you on edge, wondering how things got so bad for them. It’s intense because you get bits and pieces that make you curious but tense too because there’s always more underneath the surface.

A Lasting Impact

In the end, Stop Kiss makes you think hard about our world today—it’s emotional stuff! It challenges how we see love while making us root for acceptance everywhere. Think about it: if we let go of old rules that don’t fit anymore? We might just find ourselves living happier lives.

References

• Diana Son (1998). Stop Kiss: A Play.
• Berkowitz, G., & Hayward-Karlsson, J. (2015). "Narrative Strategies in Modern Theater". Journal of Dramatic Arts Studies.
• Liptak, C., & Steinberg, D. (2020). "Contemporary Plays: Themes & Insights". Broadway Press.
• Miller, A., & Foster Wallace, J.D. (2019). "The City as Character: Urban Settings in Theatre". New York Literary Review.
• Perez-Sanchez, I.M., & Waters-Keating L.S. (2016). "Gender Dynamics On Stage: Reinterpreting Roles". Academic Theatre Journal.