The Shell
A 60-minute play by Naomi Vondell
“Some gifts don’t quit. Especially the ones you try to ignore.”
Download Mini Press KitAbout the Play
Set in the fluorescent purgatory of a Toronto ER hallway, The Shell follows Clarice—a young visual artist recovering from a suicide attempt—through one surreal, darkly funny night alongside an aging rocker, a wounded ex, and her own fractured self.
This poetic, compact drama explores mental health, artistic defiance, and the quiet terror of vulnerability. With unexpected humour and a recurring seashell that refuses to stay buried, the play offers a fragile but luminous portrait of choosing life—even when the world offers no roadmap.
At a Glance
- Runtime: 60 minutes (no intermission)
- Cast: 2 female, 2 male
- Set: Minimal – hospital stretchers, hallway lighting
- Opening Cue: “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake (performance rights under review)
- Themes: Mental health, sibling tension, creative resilience
About the Playwright
Naomi Vondell is a Canadian playwright and novelist whose work explores spirituality, emotional survival, and what it means to live honestly in a fragmented world. The Shell marks her emergence into Canadian theatre with a story that is raw, poetic, and ultimately hopeful. She is currently based in Thunder Bay and plans to relocate to Victoria, BC.
For Producers & Festivals
The Shell is available for Fringe festivals, new works programs, or small-stage productions. Script samples and performance rights are available upon request.