DREAM HOU$E

by Eliana Pipes

Two Latinx sisters prepare to sell their home on a reality TV show, hoping to capitalize on neighborhood gentrification. But once the cameras are rolling, the family's turbulent past and uncertain future begin to collide, and the sisters are forced to reckon with the secrets held between the house's walls.

Two Latinx sisters prepare to sell their home on a reality TV show, hoping to capitalize on neighborhood gentrification. But once the cameras are rolling, the family's turbulent past and uncertain future begin to collide, and the sisters are forced to reckon with the secrets held between the house's walls.

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DREAM HOU$E

Recommended by

  • Dave Osmundsen: DREAM HOU$E by Eliana Pipes
    “

    A wonderfully chaotic and beautifully messy satire about heritage, family, and what is worth hanging on to/letting go. Eliana Pipes’ boldly theatrical convention of a game show is used to brilliant effect, potently illustrating the price our two main sisters must pay. Disturbing, unsettling, and complicated, DREAM HOU$E floored and stunned me.

    A wonderfully chaotic and beautifully messy satire about heritage, family, and what is worth hanging on to/letting go. Eliana Pipes’ boldly theatrical convention of a game show is used to brilliant effect, potently illustrating the price our two main sisters must pay. Disturbing, unsettling, and complicated, DREAM HOU$E floored and stunned me.

    ”
  • David Templeton: DREAM HOU$E by Eliana Pipes
    “

    Clever, funny, packed with unexpected revelations and deeply moving, this show - which I saw in Sonoma County - is as full of rich ideas as it is overflowing with genuine emotional truth.

    Clever, funny, packed with unexpected revelations and deeply moving, this show - which I saw in Sonoma County - is as full of rich ideas as it is overflowing with genuine emotional truth.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: DREAM HOU$E by Eliana Pipes
    “

    A powerful look at gentrification and family legacy through the lens of reality tv. Well done.

    A powerful look at gentrification and family legacy through the lens of reality tv. Well done.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

  • PATRICIA
    Accountant by day. Julia’s older sister, with a distinct Older Sister Complex. She's practical to the core, and a natural caretaker – but often resentful of that role. Lived in the house for over a year taking care of their ailing mother. She believes money brings dignity, security, meaning. 
    late 30's
    Afro-Latina or Latina
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • JULIA
    Social studies teacher by day. Patricia’s younger sister, six months pregnant. Hasn’t lived in the house since she left for college, and is recently reclaiming her heritage in preparation for motherhood. Very sentimental. She believes culture brings dignity, security, meaning. 
    early 30's
    Afro-Latina or Latina
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • TESSA
    Real estate agent and TV Host, well-meaning and energetic, always radiating charm. Tessa controls the reality show, and everything within it. She genuinely wants to help the Sisters, and using the show to get them the biggest payout possible is her understanding of what they need. 
    30's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • THE CREW
    A company of actors who make up the ensemble of the piece (min 4, no max). The Crew is a dynamic and near-constant presence on stage, they are the embodied arm of Flip It and List It: both the TV crew, and the renovation crew. They exist on stage in opposition to Sister Space.

Development History

  • Reading, Second Stage Theater (2ST), 2021
  • Workshop, Ars Nova ANT Fest, 2019
  • Workshop, Checkmark Theatre Company , 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Alliance Theater, Atlanta, 2022
  • Professional, Baltimore Center Stage , 2022
  • Professional, Long Wharf Theater , 2022

Awards

  • National Latinx Playwriting Award
    Arizona Theatre Company
    Winner
    2021
  • Leah Ryan Prize for Emerging Women Writers
    Leah Ryan Fund
    Winner
    2019
  • National Playwright's Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Finalist
    2019