FOES OF A MINIMUM WAGE GUARD - the solo play

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One Man. Twelve characters. One job that could cost him everything! 

 

Written and performed by Ken Harris, award winning filmmaker of "That Gone Darn Scam" and "The Phantom Ruse". 
 

Stop the theft… or lose your job!

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Steve Smelly is a widower and longtime retail employee with health concerns—suddenly reassigned to loss prevention without training and given an impossible ultimatum.

 

Set inside a struggling department store in a declining mall, this one-man performance explores what happens when a worker is pushed beyond his limits.

 

This work is inspired by real-world experience and reflects the realities faced by many workers today. It explores:

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• Workplace discrimination (race, age, health)

• Economic pressure and job insecurity

• Corporate dysfunction and understaffing

• The psychological toll of low-wage work

• Personal dignity and resilience

 

This is a solo performance featuring multiple characters, brought to life through:

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• Rapid vocal and physical transitions

• Distinct character portrayals

• Minimalist staging with immersive storytelling

 

Blending drama and humor, the performance places the audience directly inside Steve’s world.

 

This project is designed to:

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• Spark conversations about workplace dignity

• Provide representation for older workers and workers of color

• Connect with working-class audiences

• Encourage reflection on shared experiences

 

Post-performance discussions can be incorporated to deepen engagement.

 

Ken Harris is a Springfield, Massachusetts-based actor, playwright, and filmmaker focused on socially relevant storytelling.

    

      - 2021 Audience Choice Award @           Financial Focus Film Festival (Orlando, Florida)

      - 2022 Holyoke EforAll Grand Prize Winner

      - 2026 Mass Indie Spirit Award

      - Multiple Cultural Council grant awards               (2021 to 2025)

      - 2-time United Solo Festival official             selection (2025 Spring and Fall events)

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2026 PERFORMANCES​

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Wednesday,  January 21st Longmeadow Adult Center @ 1:30pm   Longmeadow, MA 

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Wednesday,  February 18th 12pm @ Tower Square  The Intersection Open Space Spfld, MA 

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Wednesday,  April 22nd 12 pm @ Tower Square  The Intersection Open Space Spfld, MA