Behind the Sheet

by Charly Evon Simpson

In 1846, Philomena is a pregnant enslaved woman assisting her owner, Dr. George Barry, as he tries to find the cure for fistulas and tending to his patients, other enslaved black women. Everything changes when he receives a new patient. Inspired by the life and experimentation of Dr. J Marion Sims and the lives of Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, three of the enslaved black women he worked on, Behind the Sheet...

In 1846, Philomena is a pregnant enslaved woman assisting her owner, Dr. George Barry, as he tries to find the cure for fistulas and tending to his patients, other enslaved black women. Everything changes when he receives a new patient. Inspired by the life and experimentation of Dr. J Marion Sims and the lives of Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, three of the enslaved black women he worked on, Behind the Sheet explores the untold stories behind the rise of modern gynecology.

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Behind the Sheet

Recommended by

  • Kate Busselle: Behind the Sheet

    A heartbreaking depiction of the often forgotten (and often concealed) historical breakthroughs that enslaved black women contributed to. An important play that should be added to any exploration of science, ethics, and informed consent. This play will haunt you and break your heart each time you think of it after reading. Highly recommend.

    A heartbreaking depiction of the often forgotten (and often concealed) historical breakthroughs that enslaved black women contributed to. An important play that should be added to any exploration of science, ethics, and informed consent. This play will haunt you and break your heart each time you think of it after reading. Highly recommend.

  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: Behind the Sheet

    Beautiful work! The language is so well-scored with a great ear for the rhythms of the rise and fall of the scenes. The play holds up a mirror to erased history that must be witnessed and known. Simpson does a terrific job bringing it all to light. This play is a gift and a blessing.

    Beautiful work! The language is so well-scored with a great ear for the rhythms of the rise and fall of the scenes. The play holds up a mirror to erased history that must be witnessed and known. Simpson does a terrific job bringing it all to light. This play is a gift and a blessing.

  • Libby Heily: Behind the Sheet

    This play made me an instant fan of Charly Evon Simpson. The subject matter is gripping and heart breaking and Simpson never once flinches. She lets us see the cruelty in full force. There is also tenderness and love. I was lucky enough to see this at Ensemble Studio Theatre. I think this should be done in every state of the US at the bare minimum.

    This play made me an instant fan of Charly Evon Simpson. The subject matter is gripping and heart breaking and Simpson never once flinches. She lets us see the cruelty in full force. There is also tenderness and love. I was lucky enough to see this at Ensemble Studio Theatre. I think this should be done in every state of the US at the bare minimum.

View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Ensemble Studio Theatre/Sloan Foundation, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Ensemble Studio Theatre, Year 2018
  • Type Commission, Organization Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project, Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Ensemble Studio Theatre, Year 2019

Awards

  • John Gassner Award nominee
    Outer Critics Circle
    2019
  • The Kilroys List
    2019