←Recommendations of THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO by Donald Loftus
    “

    In “The Springvale Armadillo,” Donald Loftus explores the little known history of leprosaria, medical colonies for the care of patients with Hansen’s disease, or leprosy. This absorbing play focuses on Ruby, who lives in an institution based on the historical Carville. The dialog crackles, and Loftus deftly employs flashbacks and dreams for heightened emotional effect. Mystery hovers throughout the action, giving the play a slight gothic feel, without the typical trappings of the genre. In the end, Ruby’s life and stoicism are poignant and moving. Strongly recommended.

    In “The Springvale Armadillo,” Donald Loftus explores the little known history of leprosaria, medical colonies for the care of patients with Hansen’s disease, or leprosy. This absorbing play focuses on Ruby, who lives in an institution based on the historical Carville. The dialog crackles, and Loftus deftly employs flashbacks and dreams for heightened emotional effect. Mystery hovers throughout the action, giving the play a slight gothic feel, without the typical trappings of the genre. In the end, Ruby’s life and stoicism are poignant and moving. Strongly recommended.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO by Donald Loftus
    “

    A thought provoking story of how a life is upended by a disease and whether or not the spirit has broken from the hardship. Powerful and well done.

    A thought provoking story of how a life is upended by a disease and whether or not the spirit has broken from the hardship. Powerful and well done.

    ”
  • Monica Cross: THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO by Donald Loftus
    “

    THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO is a haunting tale told through visceral dreams and intimate flashbacks, while always bringing it back to the immediate needs of the present. Donald Loftus uses the religious fears of Leprosy in the early 20th century to explore the stigma of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. Putting this story into the further context of the current pandemic draws into sharp focus the isolation and fear that plays out in the story.

    I had the honor of seeing a reading of this play over zoom, and the emotion in the language was palpable!
    Highly Recommended! So well done!

    THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO is a haunting tale told through visceral dreams and intimate flashbacks, while always bringing it back to the immediate needs of the present. Donald Loftus uses the religious fears of Leprosy in the early 20th century to explore the stigma of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. Putting this story into the further context of the current pandemic draws into sharp focus the isolation and fear that plays out in the story.

    I had the honor of seeing a reading of this play over zoom, and the emotion in the language was palpable!
    Highly Recommended! So well done!

    ”
  • Emma Wood: THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO by Donald Loftus
    “

    The Springvale Armadillo is a beautiful and emotional play. I was pulled into the world of the characters right from the first moments, with the opening soundscape evoking a traumatic past that demanded answers. As the answers were slowly revealed by the rich conversations of a remarkable elderly woman and a young and sensitive man desperate for a guide, I felt moved by the stories of each, and the support and friendship that grew between them. A captivating story beautifully rendered!

    The Springvale Armadillo is a beautiful and emotional play. I was pulled into the world of the characters right from the first moments, with the opening soundscape evoking a traumatic past that demanded answers. As the answers were slowly revealed by the rich conversations of a remarkable elderly woman and a young and sensitive man desperate for a guide, I felt moved by the stories of each, and the support and friendship that grew between them. A captivating story beautifully rendered!

    ”
  • Christine Foster: THE SPRINGVALE ARMADILLO by Donald Loftus
    “

    This is the sympathetic and fascinating saga of someone whose life has been brutally hijacked in the first bloom of youth. The play matters because this is a trap which can still be sprung on the unprepared or unlucky to this day - whether as a result of prejudice, injustice or, as in this case, misdiagnosis. A courageous elderly woman's memories are re-awakened by a young reporter with a secret grief of his own in what quickly becomes a many faceted tale that reaffirms the greater virtues of grace and forgiveness.

    This is the sympathetic and fascinating saga of someone whose life has been brutally hijacked in the first bloom of youth. The play matters because this is a trap which can still be sprung on the unprepared or unlucky to this day - whether as a result of prejudice, injustice or, as in this case, misdiagnosis. A courageous elderly woman's memories are re-awakened by a young reporter with a secret grief of his own in what quickly becomes a many faceted tale that reaffirms the greater virtues of grace and forgiveness.

    ”