Wicked Creatures

by Emma Carter

*Eugene O'Neil National Playwrights Conference Semi-Finalist 2019
FULL-LENGTH: In this gothic horror, the monsters aren't only ghosts or beasts, but misogyny, ableism, and the denial of bodily autonomy--wholly human horrors. In pursuit of women's liberation, Sonja Graves, taking on the identity of her husband, entraps a young eugenicist for her experimentation. Archibald Worthington's only chances for escape is...

*Eugene O'Neil National Playwrights Conference Semi-Finalist 2019
FULL-LENGTH: In this gothic horror, the monsters aren't only ghosts or beasts, but misogyny, ableism, and the denial of bodily autonomy--wholly human horrors. In pursuit of women's liberation, Sonja Graves, taking on the identity of her husband, entraps a young eugenicist for her experimentation. Archibald Worthington's only chances for escape is the "incorruptibly good" Emily Clearwater, who is cursed by supernatural visions of the future, and the crafty but foul-mouthed Clara Hollowell, a working girl with ambitions of her own.

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Wicked Creatures

Recommended by

  • James Binz: Wicked Creatures by Emma Carter
    “

    Nice Victorian gothic piece. The characters are interesting and the story is unique. Great acting opportunities for actresses with some grit. Scientific experimentation in the Victorian age was rife with this kind of desperation. A challenging slice of life from a bygone era. Emma Carter amazes again with a truly one of a kind story. Brava!

    Nice Victorian gothic piece. The characters are interesting and the story is unique. Great acting opportunities for actresses with some grit. Scientific experimentation in the Victorian age was rife with this kind of desperation. A challenging slice of life from a bygone era. Emma Carter amazes again with a truly one of a kind story. Brava!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Wicked Creatures by Emma Carter
    “

    A thought provoking look inside consent and three women who make a male their prisoner. What is it to be a woman and what lengths will one go to in order to turn the tables? Well done.

    A thought provoking look inside consent and three women who make a male their prisoner. What is it to be a woman and what lengths will one go to in order to turn the tables? Well done.

    ”
  • Katherine Gwynn: Wicked Creatures by Emma Carter
    “

    "Wicked Creatures" is gothic horror where the monsters in the home aren't ghosts or beasts, but misogyny, ableism, and the denial of bodily autonomy--wholly human horrors. It deftly navigates complicated questions around consent, being a survivor of abuse and perpetrating that same abuse, and what it means to exists as a woman in the world. Though a period piece, it feels timely and sharp, and offers no easy answers.

    "Wicked Creatures" is gothic horror where the monsters in the home aren't ghosts or beasts, but misogyny, ableism, and the denial of bodily autonomy--wholly human horrors. It deftly navigates complicated questions around consent, being a survivor of abuse and perpetrating that same abuse, and what it means to exists as a woman in the world. Though a period piece, it feels timely and sharp, and offers no easy answers.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • SONYA GRAVES
    Our antihero. She is a survivor, resilient and determined, with an intellect for speculation and invention. She is also imperfect and haunted by pain.
    Late 20s-early 40s
    Any
    Female,
    Gender non-conforming
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • EMILY CLEARWATER
    The “Angel of the House.” Can be endearing and kind-hearted, but also conservative in her values. She experiences “spells” which have been diagnosed as a mental deficiency, though they appear more supernatural in nature. To serve this story, these spells should be eerie, trance-like, and distinct.
    Early 20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • ARCHIBALD WORTHINGTON III
    Self-important yet charming, educated but naive, misogynistic in his ignorance. A eugenicist. Whether he deserves it or not, he comes to represent all the evils of the patriarchy.
    Early 20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • CLARA HOLLOWELL
    A “fallen woman.” Ambitious, playful, and clever. A trickster with a good heart. Also a survivor. She speaks with a cockney accent, not too heavy.

    20s-30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • BARNABUS BRODY
    An intimidating scoundrel, but he can turn on the roguish charm when appropriate. His appearance is rugged and dirty, quite the opposite of Archibald. Speaks with a West County accent.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Midwest Dramatists, 2019
  • Reading, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Harold Clurman Playwrights Division, First Breath New Play Reading Series, 2018
  • Reading, Carter Productions , 2017
  • Workshop, The Living Room Theatre, 2016
  • Reading, The Living Room Theatre , 2015

Production History

  • Professional, The Living Room Theater, 2019