Once I Was a Kingdom

by Gemma Cooper-Novack

In this 15-minute play, a powerful white American female politician currently involved in a grueling campaign brings in a female Syrian Arab psychic to read her past lives in exchange for getting the psychic's children out of Syria. The psychic herself is the reincarnation of the famous second-century queen and military mastermind Zenobia of Palmyra.

In this 15-minute play, a powerful white American female politician currently involved in a grueling campaign brings in a female Syrian Arab psychic to read her past lives in exchange for getting the psychic's children out of Syria. The psychic herself is the reincarnation of the famous second-century queen and military mastermind Zenobia of Palmyra.

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Once I Was a Kingdom

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Once I Was a Kingdom by Gemma Cooper-Novack
    “

    An atmospheric, powerful piece that packs a lot into a short play. The exploration of power, politics, gender, and race and nationality is complex, and Cooper-Novack manages to examine the historical legacy of these themes and issues. The palpable tension is masterfully-executed and hinges on nuanced and subtle shifts rather than contrived theatrics. Well done!

    An atmospheric, powerful piece that packs a lot into a short play. The exploration of power, politics, gender, and race and nationality is complex, and Cooper-Novack manages to examine the historical legacy of these themes and issues. The palpable tension is masterfully-executed and hinges on nuanced and subtle shifts rather than contrived theatrics. Well done!

    ”
  • Steven G. Martin: Once I Was a Kingdom by Gemma Cooper-Novack
    “

    Cooper-Novack's short drama is a kaleidoscope: It's a constantly shifting portrait of the concepts of power and powerlessness, of being "important" and being "everyday," all through the lenses of contemporary times and ancient history.

    Cooper-Novack's short drama is a kaleidoscope: It's a constantly shifting portrait of the concepts of power and powerlessness, of being "important" and being "everyday," all through the lenses of contemporary times and ancient history.

    ”
  • Lainie Vansant: Once I Was a Kingdom by Gemma Cooper-Novack
    “

    This is a beautifully constructed piece - the characters are fascinating, and the reader/audience gets little hints about what's going on and why all the way up to the last page. It has great roles for two mature women, and those roles are powerful and commanding. "Once I Was a Kingdom" is timely and creative - check it out!

    This is a beautifully constructed piece - the characters are fascinating, and the reader/audience gets little hints about what's going on and why all the way up to the last page. It has great roles for two mature women, and those roles are powerful and commanding. "Once I Was a Kingdom" is timely and creative - check it out!

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Zeynab
    A powerful, commanding presence. The reincarnation of second-century queen and military leader Zenobia of Palmyra. Extremely down-to-earth, particularly for a practicing psychic, and very cautious given her current situation.
    60s
    Arab
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sally
    An American presidential candidate. Sharp, personable, hawkish. Means what she says, even when she's oblivious.
    60s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Rep Stage, 2020

Awards

  • Women+ In Theatre Conference Award
    Rep Stage
    Selection
    2020