Provenance

by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder

Frances Browning has spent her life traveling the world reading first edition books. She finds herself in a magical library high atop a mountain, but when the final book on her list turns up missing, Frances refuses to leave.

A story about the books we read and the stories we tell.

Frances Browning has spent her life traveling the world reading first edition books. She finds herself in a magical library high atop a mountain, but when the final book on her list turns up missing, Frances refuses to leave.

A story about the books we read and the stories we tell.

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Provenance

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Provenance by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
    “

    A marvelous tale about the place books hold in our lives in our limited lifespan. But what a magnificent journey they can take us on. Well done!

    A marvelous tale about the place books hold in our lives in our limited lifespan. But what a magnificent journey they can take us on. Well done!

    ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: Provenance by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
    “

    Beautiful play about the fleeting nature of life! The characters are so wonderfully drawn, and their secrets are deep, and they have great desires that keep them pressing onward. It feels like a fairy tale for grown ups. And sometimes it is only a fairy tale that satisfies.

    Beautiful play about the fleeting nature of life! The characters are so wonderfully drawn, and their secrets are deep, and they have great desires that keep them pressing onward. It feels like a fairy tale for grown ups. And sometimes it is only a fairy tale that satisfies.

    ”
  • David Hansen: Provenance by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
    “

    Two women at cross-purposes meet in a library, and the reluctant search for a rare book is on. Wilder's crackling dialogue is positively Beckettian, expressing frustration and futility with knowing wit and absurdity. This is a magical tale about the things we keep, the tasks left undone, and the fear of making connection with those best-suited to take the journey with us. An outstanding four-person piece and highly recommended!

    Two women at cross-purposes meet in a library, and the reluctant search for a rare book is on. Wilder's crackling dialogue is positively Beckettian, expressing frustration and futility with knowing wit and absurdity. This is a magical tale about the things we keep, the tasks left undone, and the fear of making connection with those best-suited to take the journey with us. An outstanding four-person piece and highly recommended!

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, Alabama Shakespeare Festival Southers Writers' Project, 2013

Production History

  • Professional, Little Fish Theatre, 2018