The Woman American

by Samantha Cooper

A look at the life of a group of 1950s housewives on an average Thursday which is, of course, bridge day. While the day progresses somewhat normally for a while, it is quickly clear that this particular bridge day is a little more bloody than others.

A look at the life of a group of 1950s housewives on an average Thursday which is, of course, bridge day. While the day progresses somewhat normally for a while, it is quickly clear that this particular bridge day is a little more bloody than others.

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The Woman American

Recommended by

  • Emily Siegel: The Woman American by Samantha Cooper
    “

    A unique play with great social commentary. I was glued to the script the entire time, and would love to see this performed on stage!

    A unique play with great social commentary. I was glued to the script the entire time, and would love to see this performed on stage!

    ”
  • Emily McClain: The Woman American by Samantha Cooper
    “

    The pace of this dark comedy absolutely sizzles and it races to a very compelling cliff-hanger style conclusion. The characters are rich and multilayered, even within the 1950's housewife facade. Fascinating social commentary lies just beneath the surface and I enjoyed it immensely! I'd love to see this produced!

    The pace of this dark comedy absolutely sizzles and it races to a very compelling cliff-hanger style conclusion. The characters are rich and multilayered, even within the 1950's housewife facade. Fascinating social commentary lies just beneath the surface and I enjoyed it immensely! I'd love to see this produced!

    ”
  • Ruben Carbajal: The Woman American by Samantha Cooper
    “

    The first thing you'll notice about The American Woman is the snap and crackle of the comedic dialogue. Cooper quickly establishes characters in deft strokes and sharp lines. The piece practically glows in technicolor, but underneath the suburban sheen, there's something unsettling percolating. I love how Cooper layers a screwball comedy lightness with the desperation of four women circumscribed in an oppressive world. It makes the final, communal gestures of the play even more resonant.

    The first thing you'll notice about The American Woman is the snap and crackle of the comedic dialogue. Cooper quickly establishes characters in deft strokes and sharp lines. The piece practically glows in technicolor, but underneath the suburban sheen, there's something unsettling percolating. I love how Cooper layers a screwball comedy lightness with the desperation of four women circumscribed in an oppressive world. It makes the final, communal gestures of the play even more resonant.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Myrtle
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Frieda
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jean
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Laura
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

  • Fringe, Sam French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival, 2016
  • Fringe, Double Shot Overnight Play Festival - Northwest Playwrights Alliance, 2014

Awards

  • Short Play Contest
    Disquiet International Literary Program
    Finalist
    2015