Monica James Boeken

Two plays about the legal battle to decriminalize homosexuality in India. On September 6, 2018, a decades-long battle to decriminalize queer intimacy in India came to an end. The Supreme Court of India ruled that Section 377, the colonial anti-sodomy law, violated the country's constitution. "LGBT persons," the Court said, "deserve to live a life unshackled from the shadow of being 'unapprehended felons.'" But how definitive was this end? How far does the law's shadow fall? How clear is the line between the past and the future? What does it mean to live with full sexual citizenship? In Love and Reparation, Danish Sheikh navigates these questions with a deft interweaving of the legal, the personal, and the poetic. The two plays in this volume leap across court transcripts, affidavits (real and imagined), archival research, and personal memoir. Through his re-staging, Sheikh crafts a genre-bending exploration of a litigation battle, and a celebration of defiant love that burns bright in the shadow of the law.

The story revolves around a best-selling author whose inspiration for writing about true love comes from his soon-to-be ex-wife, Elizabeth. As he navigates the complexities of their relationship, he grapples with the irony of losing his muse while reflecting on the themes of love and soulmates that he has immortalized in his work. This narrative explores the intersection of creativity, love, and personal loss.

The story follows a once-feared leader who has lost everything after falling in love, only to find that his feelings are unreturned. As he plots revenge against his half-brother who has taken his throne, he discovers a sanctuary in an orphanage. There, he encounters a woman who reignites his long-buried desires, awakening his inner demons. Driven by a need for power and control, he is determined to reclaim his throne and the woman he believes he cannot have, even if it means shattering her vows and her spirit.

Hunter O'Shea finds himself in a complicated emotional situation after unexpectedly falling in love. As he navigates the challenges of his feelings, he reflects on the impulsive decisions that led him to this point. The story explores themes of love, regret, and the journey of self-discovery, highlighting the impact of romantic entanglements on one's life. Hunter's experiences reveal the complexities of relationships and the growth that can come from embracing vulnerability.

Monsters exist beyond mere myth and legend, challenging the boundaries of reality. This narrative explores the terrifying implications of their existence, delving into the fears and struggles faced by those who confront these creatures. As characters navigate a world where monsters lurk in the shadows, themes of courage, survival, and the human psyche are intricately woven into their journeys. The story invites readers to question their perceptions of fear and the unknown, revealing deeper truths about humanity's relationship with the monstrous.

The story revolves around the unexpected return of Zoey Hennessy, who dramatically alters the protagonist's life with just two words. Her reappearance reignites feelings and challenges the status quo, leading to a tumultuous journey of emotions and revelations. The narrative explores themes of hope, love, and the impact of past connections, as the protagonist grapples with the changes Zoey brings into their world.

A protagonist reflects on a decade of dedication and sacrifice, driven by a singular purpose that has defined their existence. The narrative hints at deep emotional struggles and a relentless pursuit, suggesting themes of resilience, obsession, and the toll of unwavering commitment. As the story unfolds, it promises to explore the complexities of the character's journey and the impact of their choices on their life and those around them.

Two households, unlike in dignity, in the City of Angels is where we lay our scene...London Sinclair was the boy my mother warned me about for as long as I can remember. His name alone has brought my family nothing but shame and suffering, so it's no surprise we've been sworn enemies since the first moment we met.With his bedroom eyes and cocky smile, he has all the girls under his spell. I have one more year of school left, and then I'm home free because I'm guarding a secret, one I'm ashamed to keep. The boy who is completely off-limits is the one who drives me, Holland Brooks, wild. I want London, and I think...he wants me, too. Some may compare it to a Shakespearian tragedy, as our surnames have fated our future, but when a single night changes my life forever, I can't leave the City of Angels fast enough. Ten years later, I have atoned for my sins and return to Los Angeles a changed woman. I've come home to get married. But the moment London walks back into my life, one thing is clear. Ten years can't undo that night-that single, sinful night when I gave into temptation-because I want to do it again.

Dr. Dixon Mathews, a top therapist in New York, invites clients to share their most intimate secrets during high-priced sessions. He thrives on the thrill of uncovering the hidden truths that people often keep to themselves. As he delves into the complexities of his clients' lives, the narrative explores the psychological intricacies of secrecy and the transformative power of confession. Through his professional lens, the story reveals the compelling dynamics between therapist and patient, making for an intriguing exploration of human vulnerability.

A marriage proposal sets off a life-altering chain of events for the protagonist, leading to unexpected challenges and transformations. The narrative explores themes of love, fate, and personal growth as the character navigates the repercussions of that pivotal moment, ultimately revealing how a single decision can reshape one's entire existence.