A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Insanity of Mary Girard

Short Play, Drama  /  4w, 3m

Lanie Robertson

In this haunting and highly theatrical piece, Mary Girard, committed to an insane asylum in 1790, envisions dancing “furies” who impersonate people from her past.

The Insanity of Mary Girard

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Docudrama/Historic
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
The Insanity of Mary Girard is the real-life story of a Philadelphia woman who spent the last 25 years of her life in a mental institution. In 1790, Mary Girard is committed to an asylum. After she became pregnant by another man, her husband had her declared legally insane. Now, she sits in a chair as the "furies" dance around and impersonate people from her past. By the end of this haunting and highly theatrical piece, Mary has grown rather convincingly into her diagnosis.
History
The Insanity of Mary Girard was first produced by Theatre Center Philadelphia at The Painted Bride Art Center on July 4, 1976. Directed by Cat Hebert, the production featured Aldonna Page, succeeded by Donna Dundon, in the title role.
Keywords
Performing Groups
MARY GIRARD – A very attractive woman of 29 years.
THE FURIES – Three women, two men of any age.
THE WARDER – A man of any age.
MRS. LUM – Mary's mother.
STEPHEN GIRARD – Mary's husband, ten years her senior.
MR. PHILLIPS – A steward of Pennsylvania Hospital and a man in his forties.
POLLY KEATON – A young woman.
MRS. HATCHER – A woman approximately Mary's own age.
  • Time Period 18th Century
  • Setting A lunatic cell in the basement of the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Fall 1790.
  • Features Elaborate / High Volume Costumes, Period Costumes
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Cautions
    • Intense Adult Themes

Media

“An engrossing drama on the abuse of the mentally ill.” – The Times-Picayune

“Fully entertaining, creepy and wonderful.” – DC Metro Theater Arts

“A chilling piece of powerlessness and despair.” – NOLA Defender

“Compelling.” – DC Theater Scene

“Well-crafted... simple and effective.” – Gambit Weekly

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $130 per performance

Scripts

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Authors

Lanie Robertson

Lanie Robertson

Lanie Robertson’s first plays The Insanity of Mary Girard and Back County Crimes are frequently performed by schools and community theatres. His play about Billie Holiday, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, was produced on Broadway and in London’s West End with Audra McDonal ...

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