Monster in a Box is my thirteenth autobiographical monologue. Before opening it at Lincoln Center in November of 1990, I developed it, performing it on the road for over a year in America, Scotland, and Israel. Like my other monologues, it was not previously written down but evolved through many performances based on an outline containing key words to guide me through my stories. But, unlike my other monologues, I worked with a director, Renée Shafransky, for the first time. Working with Renée was very important for me. Her contribution as a director, editor, and co-writer was invaluable. I don’t think I would have ever come to the structure of this monologue without her help. So, I’d like to thank Renée, as well as the supportive and enthusiastic audiences along the way who contributed to the birth of Monster in a Box.
—Spalding Gray
May 20, 1991