The Persuasion

About

A woman stands by the side of the road. Her husband argues with the man whose car just hit their rear bumper. At first, all she talks about is how this is not her husband’s fault. As she waits, however, she discloses more about their marriage. Irregularities emerge around his behaviour that tell a very different story. As her narrative ranges from the intricacies of the insurance industry, to fidelity, to intimate partner violence, the woman weaves a tale that shows ultimately, she must decide if her husband is worth protecting – or for that matter tolerating for even just one minute more.

Premiere

November 16 and 17, Studio 530, Pelham, New York

Original Cast

New York

JANE: Renée-Nicole Powell

MICHAEL: Ron Yoo

MIKE: Khari Telesford

Co-directors: Andrew Riddles and Renée-Nicole Powell

Union, New Jersey

JANE: Kelsey Rideout

MICHAEL: Dan DeMarbre

MIKE: Tim McKee

Directors: Andrew Riddles

Awards

Winner: First Prize – SOOP Short Play Festival, 2024 – New York

Winner: Audience Choice Award: Best Play – THINK Fast Short Play Festival, 2025 – Union, NJ

Shortlisted: Waterworks 2025, Charlottesville, VA.

Published

Viridine Lit (April 2025)