Work/Shoot

by Matthew Morishige

Mayra Mendoza has only one goal. To become the biggest star
that professional wrestling has ever seen. Through blood, sweat, and broken
dreams she finally makes it to the big leagues. When she does, she transforms into "MAYA FREAKING MONEY". And Maya Money's life is good. But the business moves
fast. Eventually, all that remains is the faint memory of a legend who inspired so many wrestlers to come.

Farrah...

Mayra Mendoza has only one goal. To become the biggest star
that professional wrestling has ever seen. Through blood, sweat, and broken
dreams she finally makes it to the big leagues. When she does, she transforms into "MAYA FREAKING MONEY". And Maya Money's life is good. But the business moves
fast. Eventually, all that remains is the faint memory of a legend who inspired so many wrestlers to come.

Farrah Wong was one of them. She grew up watching Maya from her
couch in Plano, Texas. In the face of pressure from her family, Farrah embarks on her pro-wrestling career. As "FARRAH FENIX", she establishes herself as an exciting young talent with a world of potential. Potential that doesn't go unnoticed. Farrah wants to make a name for herself and Maya wants a fresh start.

However, the past has a funny way of catching up to you. No matter how much you try to work yourself, life can turn into a shoot real quick. As the dark shadows of the industry reveal themselves, the illusion begins to fade. Farrah discovers the truth about the world she loved and the hero she adored, while Maya is left to reckon with the symbol she
once was and the person she has become.

The action begins with the sound of the bell...
BUT THE FIGHT NEVER ENDS!

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Work/Shoot

Recommended by

  • Playwrights Foundation: Work/Shoot by Matthew Morishige
    “

    The community of Playwrights Foundation Bay Area literary council readers advanced Work/Shoot as a finalist for the 47th Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

    Our readers responded strongly to the setting and the characters of this piece, which felt very alive and authentic. We leaned into the script’s kinetic, intergenerational drama–a highly exciting read.

    We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators in its journey towards production.

    The community of Playwrights Foundation Bay Area literary council readers advanced Work/Shoot as a finalist for the 47th Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

    Our readers responded strongly to the setting and the characters of this piece, which felt very alive and authentic. We leaned into the script’s kinetic, intergenerational drama–a highly exciting read.

    We hope this play is considered for further development and investigation, and finds dedicated collaborators in its journey towards production.

    ”

Character Information

All characters (except Maya) double as additional characters throughout the script. i.e, Farrah's mom, commentary, reporters, etc.
  • Maya Money
    A grizzled veteran of the professional wrestling industry with the
    scars to prove it. She's done it all and seen it all.
    late 30s through early 40s
    Latino
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Farrah Fenix
    A passionate rookie who looks to re-define women's wrestling.
    early 20s
    Chinese-American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Aurora
    An athletic and ambitious wrestling hopeful.
    mid to late 20s
    Chinese-American
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Talia Hopkins
    An upstart promoter determined to change the traditional wrestling landscape.
    late 30s
    African American/Black
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Victor Anderson
    the titan of professional wrestling promoters and head of "The National Wrestling Federation"
    late 30s through early 40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man