Big Black Balloon

by Eljon Wardally

Big Black Balloon explores the relationship between Henry and Cleo, two people whose insecurities trigger their imaginary friends to return and take over their lives. Set in a studio apartment in L.A., the city of celebrity also serves as a character igniting the pressure to be beautiful and glamorous at all costs.

Big Black Balloon explores the relationship between Henry and Cleo, two people whose insecurities trigger their imaginary friends to return and take over their lives. Set in a studio apartment in L.A., the city of celebrity also serves as a character igniting the pressure to be beautiful and glamorous at all costs.

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Big Black Balloon

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Big Black Balloon by Eljon Wardally
    “

    This play went places I definitely didn't expect. Very rare to see a work of art about the male experience with body image and disordered eating.

    This play went places I definitely didn't expect. Very rare to see a work of art about the male experience with body image and disordered eating.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Big Black Balloon by Eljon Wardally
    “

    A revealing look at the authentic truth of dealing with an eating disorder and body image struggles with insecurities abound in your head. Well done.

    A revealing look at the authentic truth of dealing with an eating disorder and body image struggles with insecurities abound in your head. Well done.

    ”
  • Heather Meyer: Big Black Balloon by Eljon Wardally
    “

    I love this play. The realness of the characters and their struggles balanced with the elements of magical realism make this a must see, must read, must produce. A story about body image, eating disorder and the voices that we listen to. The writing is powerful, funny, and excellent. WHAT A GOOD PLAY!

    I love this play. The realness of the characters and their struggles balanced with the elements of magical realism make this a must see, must read, must produce. A story about body image, eating disorder and the voices that we listen to. The writing is powerful, funny, and excellent. WHAT A GOOD PLAY!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • Cleo Cotter
    30s, 40s
    Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Henry Larkin
    30s, 40s
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Bert
    30s, 40s
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jean Paul
    Played by the same actor who plays Henry
    30s, 40s
    African American/Black
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Starlight Moonflower
    Played by the same actress who plays Cleo.
    30s, 40s
    Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Clark University, 2022

Production History

  • Workshop, The Parsnip Ship, 2017

Awards