THE SCARLET LETTER (Bible Belt, 1965)

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel radically re-imagined.

When Hester Prynne is seen kissing a mysterious woman after Bible study, the congregation sends her to “The Program,” a remote ministry dedicated to sexual conversion therapy—only to discover more skeletons than homosexuals in their church’s closet.

A timeless story of forbidden love set in the Deep South of the embattled mid-1960s, THE SCARLET LETTER...

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel radically re-imagined.

When Hester Prynne is seen kissing a mysterious woman after Bible study, the congregation sends her to “The Program,” a remote ministry dedicated to sexual conversion therapy—only to discover more skeletons than homosexuals in their church’s closet.

A timeless story of forbidden love set in the Deep South of the embattled mid-1960s, THE SCARLET LETTER (Bible Belt, 1965) brings back the unforgettable heroine, Hester Prynne. Caught between her mother’s new-found evangelism and the Age of Aquarius, and determined to hide the identity of her clandestine lover, Hester stands her ground against Pastor Dimmesdale, whose fire and brimstone mask libidinous ulterior motives. Will she wear her scarlet letter with her namesake’s dignity and forbearance or fall prey to The Program’s relentless indoctrination? Will love triumph over dogma?

Even in the 21st century, countless Hester Prynnes wear their own invisible scarlet letter. Therapies aimed at
changing sexual identity are still advocated by many religious institutions. Sending minors to such programs is
still legal in most U.S. states. The playwright hopes, in some small way, that this play will alleviate their
suffering.

Video trailer: https://youtu.be/hK0H6tR-kLQ

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THE SCARLET LETTER (Bible Belt, 1965)

Recommended by

  • Samantha Oty: THE SCARLET LETTER (Bible Belt, 1965)

    Even though this play is set in 1965, the story and lessons taught in Shames play continues to ring true for many all over the world. An incredible, intense piece of theatre.

    Even though this play is set in 1965, the story and lessons taught in Shames play continues to ring true for many all over the world. An incredible, intense piece of theatre.

4F, 3M. LGBTQ leads. Bechdel Test compliant. Intergenerational cast.

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Pharmacy Theatre, Year 2020

Awards

  • Local Lab
    Local Theatre, Denver
    Finalist
    2020