THE SUBJECT

by Carolyn Kras

THE SUBJECT examines the contemporary global crisis of sexual assault cover-ups through dramatizing one of history’s most hushed-up rapes. Princess Sophia's dysfunctional royal family includes notoriously mad father King George III, drug-dependent mother Queen Charlotte, sex addict brother Ernest, and five eccentric sisters (a confident stutterer, an agorophobe, an artist, a bossy fashion plate, and an ardent...

THE SUBJECT examines the contemporary global crisis of sexual assault cover-ups through dramatizing one of history’s most hushed-up rapes. Princess Sophia's dysfunctional royal family includes notoriously mad father King George III, drug-dependent mother Queen Charlotte, sex addict brother Ernest, and five eccentric sisters (a confident stutterer, an agorophobe, an artist, a bossy fashion plate, and an ardent teen). When Sophia is raped and fights to bring the criminal to justice, her family seeks to mastermind a cover-up of the secret for fear of losing the throne. With its timely themes and strong roles for women, The Subject has been a popular new play with 21 readings (and counting). The Subject was commisisoned by the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright LUSK Award, had a United Nations Orange Day reading in London, and was developed in Antaeus Playwrights Lab. 7 W, 4-5 M.

The Subject reflects the ideas of #MeToo and #TimesUp.

The Subject Project (a global theatre movement to raise awareness of sexual assault issues):
https://thesubjectproject.wordpress.com

Howl Round Article on The Subject Project:
http://howlround.com/acting-against-sexual-assault-the-subject-project

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THE SUBJECT

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: THE SUBJECT by Carolyn Kras
    “

    A truly incredible piece of writing bringing to light the centuries old subject of rape, the first physical and the second mental. An assault of the mind, heart and soul when you are asked to remain silent by your own family. Beautifully done.

    A truly incredible piece of writing bringing to light the centuries old subject of rape, the first physical and the second mental. An assault of the mind, heart and soul when you are asked to remain silent by your own family. Beautifully done.

    ”
  • Mike Solomonson: THE SUBJECT by Carolyn Kras
    “

    I'm really intrigued by Carolyn Kras's play. The script's ability to blend historical figures with contemporary issues relating to sexual assault and harassment is very powerful and memorable. For the emotional weight the script contains, it also has some surprising use of humor which leavens the mood which could otherwise be very heavy. The sheer number of readings the script has received makes one feel it is definitely ready for a Theatre company to stage what I feel is a very worthy script.

    I'm really intrigued by Carolyn Kras's play. The script's ability to blend historical figures with contemporary issues relating to sexual assault and harassment is very powerful and memorable. For the emotional weight the script contains, it also has some surprising use of humor which leavens the mood which could otherwise be very heavy. The sheer number of readings the script has received makes one feel it is definitely ready for a Theatre company to stage what I feel is a very worthy script.

    ”
  • Sara Jean Accuardi: THE SUBJECT by Carolyn Kras
    “

    This beautiful and moving play enthralled me from start to finish. A history piece that feels extremely fresh and urgent.

    This beautiful and moving play enthralled me from start to finish. A history piece that feels extremely fresh and urgent.

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

All roles are open to actors of all races and identities. Diverse casting encouraged. 7W and 4-5M. May add additional crowd roles if desired. Doctor role may double with Ernest. Great for a college, university, or large company of actors.
  • Princess Augusta
    Painfully shy. She has agoraphobia.
    31
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Elizabeth
    Artsy.
    29
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Mary
    A mother hen type and very fashionable.
    23
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Amelia
    The youngest and ardent to a fault. The King's favorite child.
    16
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Prince George
    37
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Prince Ernest
    A younger brother who has returned from
    war.
    28
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • King George III
    Experiences episodes of madness.
    61
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Queen Charlotte
    Depressed and addicted to laudanum.
    55
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Thomas Garth
    Sophia's suitor. The king's equerry.
    55 but can be played much younger
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Sophia
    The independent-minded protagonist.
    22
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Doctor
    The royal physician. May double with the actor who plays Ernest.
    20s-70s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Charlotte
    The eldest sister. She has a stutter,
    but it never affects her confidence or authoritative manner.
    33
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Pacific Resident Theatre, 2019
  • Reading, Theatre 40, 2018
  • Reading, ReVamp Collective, 2017
  • Reading, Antaeus Theatre Company, 2017
  • Reading, Cypress New Play Festival, 2017
  • Reading, Last Frontier Theatre Conference, 2017
  • Reading, Antaeus Academy, 2017
  • Reading, Weber State University, 2017
  • Reading, The Blank Theatre, 2016
  • Reading, Blue Ash Theatre Company & Siberian Lights, 2016
  • Reading, Artery Playwrights Project, 2016
  • Reading, Brescia University & Theatre Workshop of Owensboro & Kentucky Wesleyan College, 2016
  • Reading, Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, 2016
  • Reading, Found Stages, 2016
  • Reading, Nothing Special Productions, 2016
  • Reading, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, 2016
  • Reading, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, 2016
  • Reading, Wright State University, 2016
  • Reading, Pride Films & Plays & Not In Our House, 2016
  • Reading, Sell a Door Theatre Company & United Nations Orange Day, 2016

Awards

  • Ebell of Los Angeles Playwright Prize
    Finalist
    2016
  • Milken Playwriting Prize
    Finalist
    2017
  • Fulbright LUSK Award
    2016