SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER

by Stephanie Alison Walker

In 1891 a brilliant 23-year-old woman won an architecture contest to design the Woman’s Building for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. What should have been the start to a flourishing career in architecture became career-ending. Throughout the two-year process of building The Woman’s Building, the architect quietly endured bullying, micromanaging and undermining until she finally spoke up. In a time...

In 1891 a brilliant 23-year-old woman won an architecture contest to design the Woman’s Building for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. What should have been the start to a flourishing career in architecture became career-ending. Throughout the two-year process of building The Woman’s Building, the architect quietly endured bullying, micromanaging and undermining until she finally spoke up. In a time when women were defined as physically and intellectually weaker than men, her concerns were not only not heard, but she was sent to a sanitarium. Diagnosed with melancholia due to overexertion. Silenced. After the fair, her building was destroyed and she never built another building again. Her name was Sophia Hayden and she deserves better.

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SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER

Recommended by

  • Conor McShane: SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER by Stephanie Alison Walker
    “

    A fascinating tale of talent and ambition deferred by a society that's all too comfortable deciding who gets to be called "genius," and any display of emotion is used as justification for women's "unfitness" for traditionally male roles. In Walker's hands, it's no dry history lesson, but rather a beautifully constructed and deeply engaging piece of theatre. Despite its heavy themes, it's written with a light touch, making plenty of room for sly humor. A terrific work all around!

    A fascinating tale of talent and ambition deferred by a society that's all too comfortable deciding who gets to be called "genius," and any display of emotion is used as justification for women's "unfitness" for traditionally male roles. In Walker's hands, it's no dry history lesson, but rather a beautifully constructed and deeply engaging piece of theatre. Despite its heavy themes, it's written with a light touch, making plenty of room for sly humor. A terrific work all around!

    ”
  • National New Play Network: SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER by Stephanie Alison Walker
    “

    SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER by Stephanie Alison Walker was a finalist for NNPN's 2022 National Showcase of New Plays, and we are pleased to recommend it.

    SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER by Stephanie Alison Walker was a finalist for NNPN's 2022 National Showcase of New Plays, and we are pleased to recommend it.

    ”
  • Samantha Cooper: SOPHIA HAYDEN DESERVES BETTER by Stephanie Alison Walker
    “

    The themes of this engaging historical docudrama reverberate from 1891 until modern day. To experience Sophia go from so much hope and promise to the inevitable conclusion based on the circumstances is heartbreaking and Walker does a great job of telling that story. Using memory and jumps in time is an effective device for the play. And lots of great parts, especially for women!

    The themes of this engaging historical docudrama reverberate from 1891 until modern day. To experience Sophia go from so much hope and promise to the inevitable conclusion based on the circumstances is heartbreaking and Walker does a great job of telling that story. Using memory and jumps in time is an effective device for the play. And lots of great parts, especially for women!

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, Heartland Theatre Company, 2022
  • Reading, Playwrights Union, 2021

Awards