The Bed Trick

by Jillian Blevins

ONE—ACT TRAGIC SEX FARCE. A man wants a woman who doesn't want him back. To protect her purity, she enlists a decoy to pretend to be her. A comic device as old as time isn't so funny for the decoy or her target in this play inspired by Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, classical tropes and modern love.

ONE—ACT TRAGIC SEX FARCE. A man wants a woman who doesn't want him back. To protect her purity, she enlists a decoy to pretend to be her. A comic device as old as time isn't so funny for the decoy or her target in this play inspired by Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, classical tropes and modern love.

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The Bed Trick

Recommended by

  • Noah Good: The Bed Trick by Jillian Blevins
    “

    I watched the virtual performance of this from Patchwork Theatre. As a Shakespeare nerd, loved the twist on "Measure for Measure" and the bed trick trope. A clever and dark take on unrequited love and the social value of women's virginity. Biting humor with emotional depth.

    I watched the virtual performance of this from Patchwork Theatre. As a Shakespeare nerd, loved the twist on "Measure for Measure" and the bed trick trope. A clever and dark take on unrequited love and the social value of women's virginity. Biting humor with emotional depth.

    ”
  • Douglas Gearhart: The Bed Trick by Jillian Blevins
    “

    This play doesn't mess around or hide from the ugliest bits of human nature. I love the parenthetical towards the end: 'A moment of understanding. Regret. Embarrassment. Longing.' Yes, absolutely. This is amazing writing.

    This play doesn't mess around or hide from the ugliest bits of human nature. I love the parenthetical towards the end: 'A moment of understanding. Regret. Embarrassment. Longing.' Yes, absolutely. This is amazing writing.

    ”
  • DC Cathro: The Bed Trick by Jillian Blevins
    “

    What a spectacular exploration of love, sex, consent, boundaries, and the myriad forms of desire and yearning. It’s brutally forthright and in-your-face, hard hitting yet hysterical, a true rollercoaster of a short play that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Powerful messages, delightful dialogue, and great roles. Brilliant.

    What a spectacular exploration of love, sex, consent, boundaries, and the myriad forms of desire and yearning. It’s brutally forthright and in-your-face, hard hitting yet hysterical, a true rollercoaster of a short play that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Powerful messages, delightful dialogue, and great roles. Brilliant.

    ”
View all 19 recommendations

Character Information

  • THE MAN
    similar age to THE OTHER WOMAN
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • THE VIRGIN
    similar age to THE MAN and THE OTHER WOMAN, or younger.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • THE OTHER WOMAN
    similar age to THE MAN
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Workshop, Valdez Theatre Conference Play Lab, 2023

Production History