Queen

by Madhuri Shekar

PhD candidates Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe. Just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations, which could cause catastrophic damage to their reputations, careers, and friendship. Now, Sanam is confronted with an impossible choice: look...

PhD candidates Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe. Just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations, which could cause catastrophic damage to their reputations, careers, and friendship. Now, Sanam is confronted with an impossible choice: look the other way or stand by her principles and accept the consequences?

WINNER: 2019 New York Innovative Theatre Awards, Outstanding Original Full Length Script

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Queen

Recommended by

  • Maggie Blair Smith: Queen by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    This is such a fascinating exploration of morals and doing what is right through the eyes of science. Well written and a pleasure to read!

    This is such a fascinating exploration of morals and doing what is right through the eyes of science. Well written and a pleasure to read!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Queen by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    Could an error of calculations ruin it all for these aspiring academics? Or could integrity be the way? Fantastic.

    Could an error of calculations ruin it all for these aspiring academics? Or could integrity be the way? Fantastic.

    ”
  • Emily McClain: Queen by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    Oh my goodness this play was wonderful! Mixing the complexity of science and research with the complexity of female friendship creates a truly compelling story. I loved it!

    Oh my goodness this play was wonderful! Mixing the complexity of science and research with the complexity of female friendship creates a truly compelling story. I loved it!

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Ma-Yi Theatre Labfest, 2017
  • Residency, Hedgebrook Playwrights Festival, 2016
  • Workshop, Victory Gardens Theatre, Edgerton New Play workshop, 2016
  • Workshop, Victory Gardens Theater, Ignition Festival, 2015
  • Workshop, Blank Theatre, Living Room Series, 2015
  • Workshop, Center Theatre Group, 2014
  • Reading, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2014

Production History

  • Professional, Astoria Performing Arts Center, 2019
  • Professional, EnActe Theater, 2018
  • Professional, Prathidhwani with ACT, 2018
  • Professional, Victory Gardens Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • Outstanding Original Full Length Script
    New York Innovative Theatre Awards,
    Winner
    2019
  • Nomination for Best New Play
    Jeff Awards
    2017
  • Kilroy's List Nominee
    2017
  • Winner: Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
    2016
  • Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center
    Runner Up
    2017