Drama     *     90 minutes     *     9 Men/6 Women

The story of one day in a small Oregon town and three families who are trying, in the most loving and human ways, to deal with death and dying.

"Infinite Black Suitcase" is published by Samuel French.

“Infinite Black Suitcase” is published by Samuel French.

Publications:

  • 2011 – Samuel French
"Infinite Black Suitcase" at Staples High School.

“Infinite Black Suitcase” at Staples High School.

Productions:

  • 2015 – Glendale Community College – Glendale, CA
  • 2015 – St. Louis Park High School – St. Louis Park, MN
  • 2014 – Staples High School – Westport, CT
  • 2013 – University of Southern California School for Dramatic Arts — Los Angeles, CA
  • 2012 – Colony High School — Ontario, CA
  • 2007 – world premiere at the Lillian Theatre, produced by TheSpyAnts – Hollywood, CA
  • 2005 – workshop production at Moving Arts – Los Angeles, CA
"Infinite Black Suitcase" at University of Southern California.

“Infinite Black Suitcase” at University of Southern California.

Readings, Awards and Development:

  • Finalist – 2006 Hinton Battle Theatre Lab Diverse Voices Playwriting Contest – NY, NY
  • Semi-finalist – 2006 O’Neill Playwrights Conference – Waterford, CT
Under the supervision of artistic director Paul Nicolai Stein, Moving Arts produced a workshop production of EM Lewis’ large-cast play “Infinite Black Suitcase.”  Four director and fifteen actors worked together with the playwright to bring her first full-length play to life over two weekends of performances at the Los Angeles Theater Center.

Under the supervision of artistic director Paul Nicolai Stein, Moving Arts produced a workshop production of EM Lewis’ large-cast play “Infinite Black Suitcase.”  Four director and fifteen actors worked together with the playwright to bring her first full-length play to life over two weekends of performances at the Los Angeles Theater Center.

"Infinite Black Suitcase" at Colony High School.

“Infinite Black Suitcase” at Colony High School.

Reviews from the world premiere production at the Lillian Theater
in Hollywood, CA, produced by TheSpyAnts:

Julio Martinez, for Variety: “Scripter EM Lewis offers an endearing and insightful perusal into the lives of 16 rural Oregonians, dealing with the trauma of recent or impending death, during the course of a single day… Lewis gives evidence of being a significant talent to watch. ‘Infinite Black Suitcase’ certainly has the legs to move on to a more ambitious staging.”

Neal Weaver, for BackStage West: “…touchingly funny…”

Keisha7, for LA Splash: “…a great balance of humanity and humor.”

Pat Taylor, for the Tolucan Times: “…a compellingly emotional journey!”

"Infinite Black Suitcase" poster from USC production 2013.

“Infinite Black Suitcase” poster from USC production 2013.

Multimedia:

Click here to watch a video trailer for the Staples Players production of “Infinite Black Suitcase.”  Or click here to watch a second video trailer from their beautiful production!