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House Rules

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  3w, 4m

A. Rey Pamatmat

“The playwright presents the characters in crisp three dimensions... well done.” – Huffington Post

House Rules

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Rod thinks the game is fixed. Momo’s still learning the rules. Twee doesn’t think winning is enough. JJ hates his hand. And why the hell is Henry still playing? Two families (and some guy named Henry) panic with hilarious and heartbreaking results when they realize their parents won’t be around forever. Can anybody prepare for the inevitable moment when they’re the ones left holding all the cards?

History
House Rules premiered in a production by Ma-Yi Theatre Company in New York City in March 2016 under the direction of Ralph B. Peña.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
ERNIE – Late 60s, Filipino, ROD and JJ's father
ROD – Early 30s, Filipino-American, ERNIE's oldest son
HENRY – Early 30s, not Filipino, ROD's (recently ex-)boyfriend
JJ – Late 20s, Filipino-American, ERNIE's youngest son
MOMO – Early 30s, Filipino-American, VERA's youngest daughter
TWEE – Mid-30s, Filipino-American, VERA's oldest daughter
VERA – 60s, Filipina, TWEE and MOMO's mother
  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting

    New York City.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 105 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language

Media

“Funny and unapologetic... a web of love and conflict between cultures, and parents and children.” – Front Row Center

“The playwright presents the characters in crisp three dimensions... well done.” – Huffington Post, Read More 

“A. Rey Pamatmat’s play is a web of love and conflict between cultures, and parents and children, that is never sentimental or schmaltzy, but funny and unapologetic.” – Front Row Center, Read More 

“Mr. Pamatmat has compelling ideas about human psychology and dramatic structure... flashes of surprising truth, particularly in the sibling interactions.” – The New York Times  

“Pamatmat’s story is well told and there are many truths to be found... like life, there is not a total resolve for his character’s conflicts. Sometimes, self-will and communication fails us. Fortunately, Pamatmat’s play does not.” – Manhattan Digest, Read More


Videos

  • Behind the scenes of Ma-Yi Theatre's production of House Rules youtube thumbnail

    Behind the scenes of Ma-Yi Theatre's production of House Rules

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

A. Rey Pamatmat

A. Rey Pamatmat

A. Rey Pamatmat’s plays include Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them (Actors Theatre of Louisville), after all the terrible things I do (Milwaukee Rep), House Rules (Ma-Yi), Thunder Above, Deeps Below (Second Generation), A Spare Me (Waterwell), and DEVIANT. His newest play, S ...

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