2M. One-Act (10 min), A young artist struggles against the Industrial Revolution in this Steampunk style universe. Also doubles at the first scene of The Legend of Steel City: A Steampunk Adventure.
- Finalist in the NDNU Hot August Theatre Festival Playwright's Contest in Belmont, CA, 2015
"BENEATH THE MONOLITH is a one-act set in Victorian Era USA, with a distinctive Steampunk style. The play follows the interactions of two artists who are old friends - one who is poor and struggling against the oppressive industrialization of the Steampunk culture, the other who has embraced it and become very successful. The play showcases the politics of the culture in regards to art, and the way it affects each artists’ struggle with his inner demons." (Emma K Harr, ActorsEmbassyNY.com, 2012)
"Writing to let you know that I saw Tapas: Green at the Academy last night, and your piece, BENEATH THE MONOLITH was far and away my favorite of the offerings. It had the strongest cast, best directing, and of course the best script. It was imaginative, engaging, and a proper piece of theatre. Thanks for the magic. I'll be holding this one up as a fine example of what theatre can do, even with limited resources. Take a bow." (Kyle Crew, Aris Theatre, 2024)
"I saw Tapas on Saturday. Your play was riveting. The Actor Jordan did a particularly notable job bringing the “robotic” artists to life. In a long evening, the placement of your play was welcomed, and I appreciated how it kept me engaged. I hope you were satisfied with how it was done. The image of the piece of grass sticking out of the water tower remains imprinted." (Hank Kimmel, Academy Theatre, 2024)
"We saw your short play, "Beneath the Monolith" last night at the Academy Theatre. It was the best in show - without a doubt. We enjoyed it very much. The acting was excellent and the themes and dialogue were spot on. The water tower with grass growing out of a small hole was a wonderful image, capturing the essence of the entire play. Great stuff!" (Fred Kempner, Academy Theatre, 2024)
"An examination of "selling out" and keeping true to an artistic vision, Guyton creates two friends and their own personal struggles with the lots they have in life. It's a play with weighty questions that follow artists through all time. Daniel Guyton invites us all to consider both perspectives and examine the humanity behind our actions and the motivations to pursue art relentlessly or pursue a more popular commercial approach with creating art pieces. Definitely a play that merits consideration and reading from playwrights at any stage of their career." (Franky Gonzalez, New Play Exchange, 2018)
"Went to see TAPAS at the Academy Theatre today and had a lot of fun... Daniel Guyton's play was my favorite script." (Willena Moye, Academy Theatre, 2024)
"Thank you to Daniel Guyton for such incredible and fun writing!" (Kenneth Nance, Academy Theatre, 2024)
- Staged Reading at Process Theatre's Read-A-Thon in Atlanta, GA, 2009
- Produced at GOOD Works Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA, 2012
- Staged Reading at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, 2015
- Produced by Academy Theatre in Hapeville, GA, 2024
Article by Stephi Wild of BroadwayWorld Atlanta, 2024
