2022 Hear Me Out Monologue Competition Festival Theme:
When We Name It
In a world in which social norms, political systems, economic laws and the natural environment are all facing existential challenges, the language we use to describe the world around us takes on new urgency. In order to change a thing, we first need to name it. In order to care for something or someone it matters that we name it. If we want to understand something that confuses or frightens us, first we must name it.
Since human beings created language, the labels we assign to things, people, places, activities, relationships, complex issues, etc. etc. have influenced our view of them. There are things we carry with us throughout life that feel so important, so powerful, that sometimes we dare not name them for fear that naming them might invite them to consume us. And yet, oftentimes the act of finally naming something we’ve been living with results in a newfound freedom. And, yes, we also name people, pets, places, projects and creations.
And sadly, these days, our choices regarding how we identify certain things can even threaten to tear apart our most treasured relationships.
Your 2022 Hear Me Out entry must in some way refer to some naming and its impact on the characters you’re revealing. As always we hope you will find your own way into our festival theme and we do not require the use of any specific words, language or stylistic choices.
We only ask that your character grapples with our festival theme in some way.
And remember: your monologue must introduce us to a character who is talking to another person (or group of people). Short stories and essays will be disqualified.
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