oh to be pure again

by Kira Rockwell

During one hot Texas summer at a Charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls’ cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. A visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture that's obsessed with purity.

During one hot Texas summer at a Charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls’ cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. A visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture that's obsessed with purity.

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oh to be pure again

Recommended by

  • Erin Malone Turner: oh to be pure again by Kira Rockwell
    “

    I was deeply moved by this play, & I imagine many others will be as well. These characters are sincere, impassioned, & beautifully painted portraits of what it can look like for young people trying to figure out who God is while becoming who they are. The ferocity & joy of the ending is particularly commendable!

    I was deeply moved by this play, & I imagine many others will be as well. These characters are sincere, impassioned, & beautifully painted portraits of what it can look like for young people trying to figure out who God is while becoming who they are. The ferocity & joy of the ending is particularly commendable!

    ”
  • Madeline Geier: oh to be pure again by Kira Rockwell
    “

    Comedically captures many niche Bible camp experiences and archetypes while exploring the impact of purity culture from multiple perspectives with tenderness and nuance.

    Comedically captures many niche Bible camp experiences and archetypes while exploring the impact of purity culture from multiple perspectives with tenderness and nuance.

    ”
  • Tiffany Antone: oh to be pure again by Kira Rockwell
    “

    Kira's dialogue is so fresh and connected, the characters and their hopes and dreams and internal struggles jump off the page. Beautiful and timely piece. I look forward to following this play's production trajectory! Brava!

    Kira's dialogue is so fresh and connected, the characters and their hopes and dreams and internal struggles jump off the page. Beautiful and timely piece. I look forward to following this play's production trajectory! Brava!

    ”
View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

  • Autumn
    Proud of her extensive wolf shirt collection. Pro- napper. Wears a purity ring to avoid her queerness.
    17
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jean Ruby
    Varsity Cheerleader. Loves starting chants in the lunchroom. Unashamedly messy cries during the camp worship sessions.
    17
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Luna
    Frequents the Craft Shack. Bucket list item is to play paintball with the boys. New to church, not spirituality.
    17
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Rachel
    Earnest. Avid baker. Home-schooled, a part of a Co-Op. In the middle of six siblings. Wakes up early every morning to spend time with Jesus. She’s fasting during this week of camp.
    15
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Trina
    Varsity Volleyball. Setter. D1 NCAA bound. Signed up for all physical activities. Finding it hard to let “Jesus take the wheel”
    17
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Becca
    Senior girls camp counselor. Wants to be the best camp counselor ever. Engaged to Adrian. Unraveling.
    22
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Adrian
    Senior boys camp counselor. The worship leader of his church, aka rockstar. Becca’s fiancé.
    28
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Rachel's Dad
    A grieving widow. Newly single parent of six children. An orthodontist. Elder in the church. Self-Righteous, honey dipped traditionalist, but not a villain.
    40's - 50's
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

Production History

  • University, The University of Oklahoma, 2023

Awards

  • Gene Gabriel Moore Playwriting Award
    Suzi Bass Awards
    Winner
    2023
  • New Play Conference
    Great Plains Theatre Commons
    Selection
    2022
  • The Working Farm
    SPACE on Ryder Farm
    Semi-Finalist
    2020