Mountain Law

by Melissa Leilani Larson

Winter 1850. Tamson English has been alone with three young children on the Utah frontier for more than a year. Haunted by guilt over an extramarital affair, Tamson convinces herself that God has trapped her in the wilderness as a punishment for her sins. When she prays for a reprieve, an old friend appears at her door—but it’s hard to know if his coming is a miracle or a curse.

Winter 1850. Tamson English has been alone with three young children on the Utah frontier for more than a year. Haunted by guilt over an extramarital affair, Tamson convinces herself that God has trapped her in the wilderness as a punishment for her sins. When she prays for a reprieve, an old friend appears at her door—but it’s hard to know if his coming is a miracle or a curse.

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Mountain Law

Recommended by

  • Ky Weeks: Mountain Law

    Emptiness has tangibility in this play, and religious guilt seems to take on a physical presence. And while the walls seem to close in, always present is the reality that what's really trapping Tamson is the choices and expectations of the male characters. Depicts the West with a memorably haunting tone.

    Emptiness has tangibility in this play, and religious guilt seems to take on a physical presence. And while the walls seem to close in, always present is the reality that what's really trapping Tamson is the choices and expectations of the male characters. Depicts the West with a memorably haunting tone.

  • Chelsea Frandsen: Mountain Law

    No matter what she writes Larson has a way of making me think even as I enjoy myself, and she did it again with MOUNTAIN LAW. As always, phenomenal language from this master storyteller kept me riveted. Tamson is a powerhouse of a woman and a role any actress would love to sink her teeth into.

    No matter what she writes Larson has a way of making me think even as I enjoy myself, and she did it again with MOUNTAIN LAW. As always, phenomenal language from this master storyteller kept me riveted. Tamson is a powerhouse of a woman and a role any actress would love to sink her teeth into.

  • Meredith Bartmon: Mountain Law

    How do women survive the daily onslaught of white noise and isolation? Mountain Law takes a relevant POV on the individual’s flexible relationship with faith in the light of hardship and changing circumstances. Tamson is clearly a devout woman but she learns to be unashamed of her fallible humanity. Howard is strict in his beliefs but not immovable. It’s a resonant reminder that faith isn’t a monolith. Melissa writes in a beautifully balanced mix of narrative and theatrical storytelling. She asks the audience to observe a time and place they may be viewing too narrowly.

    How do women survive the daily onslaught of white noise and isolation? Mountain Law takes a relevant POV on the individual’s flexible relationship with faith in the light of hardship and changing circumstances. Tamson is clearly a devout woman but she learns to be unashamed of her fallible humanity. Howard is strict in his beliefs but not immovable. It’s a resonant reminder that faith isn’t a monolith. Melissa writes in a beautifully balanced mix of narrative and theatrical storytelling. She asks the audience to observe a time and place they may be viewing too narrowly.

View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization States of Play, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Mad Cow Theatre, Year 2020
  • Type Workshop, Organization Mad Cow Theatre, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, , Year 2018

Awards

  • Best Drama
    Association for Mormon Letters
    Winner
    2020
  • Women's Voices Play Festival Award
    Mad Cow Theatre
    Runner Up
    2020