Quake is a play for five women. Five wives of men working on a dam in South America, returning from a shopping expedition are isolated by an earthquake. The driver of their vehicle is killed. They find shelter, but their chances of being rescued are uncertain. A further quake shocks them. Under this strain the differences in their characters and interrelationships are brought into sharp belief. In particular tension rises between the strong-willed Marcia and the boss's wife, ELlen. A sudden imminent flood drives them from the place. As they head for an unresolved future, Marcia and Ellen have learned mutual respect.