Like Flies: A Rage Play

When a mysterious new midwife comes to town, a group of women think she might have solutions for more than just childbirth. She might also have something to solve an epidemic of cruel men. Like Flies is a witchy thriller with movement, sound, murder, secrets, and an ensemble of women claiming the freedom they are due.

Loosely inspired by the true events of the Angelmakers of Nagyrev.

When a mysterious new midwife comes to town, a group of women think she might have solutions for more than just childbirth. She might also have something to solve an epidemic of cruel men. Like Flies is a witchy thriller with movement, sound, murder, secrets, and an ensemble of women claiming the freedom they are due.

Loosely inspired by the true events of the Angelmakers of Nagyrev.

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Like Flies: A Rage Play

Recommended by

  • Leah Roth Barsanti: Like Flies: A Rage Play

    This play of sacrifices and scapegoats is part Greek tragedy, part “The Craft,” part “The Crucible” and 100% the whispered rage of women that transcends generations. In the writing, Kearnan has managed to capture the tone and themes of the piece perfectly: it moves like a secret, like a rumor, like anger, like the great and terrible plans of any group of women that has ever caused heaven and hell at the same time.

    This play of sacrifices and scapegoats is part Greek tragedy, part “The Craft,” part “The Crucible” and 100% the whispered rage of women that transcends generations. In the writing, Kearnan has managed to capture the tone and themes of the piece perfectly: it moves like a secret, like a rumor, like anger, like the great and terrible plans of any group of women that has ever caused heaven and hell at the same time.

  • Blyss Cleveland: Like Flies: A Rage Play

    This is a stunning play that asks questions about the legitimate use of violence in society. The stage directions and transitions give the ensemble so much freedom to create beautiful and indelible images and soundscapes. It’s a great read and I would love to see a full production!

    This is a stunning play that asks questions about the legitimate use of violence in society. The stage directions and transitions give the ensemble so much freedom to create beautiful and indelible images and soundscapes. It’s a great read and I would love to see a full production!

  • Daniel Bird Tobin: Like Flies: A Rage Play

    This script explores sound and voice in an incredibly moving and impactful way. The chorus becomes the landscape of the world itself, giving the audience a sense of the reverberations and echoes of the core action. The second act asks important questions about justice and revenge of both its characters and the audience.

    This script explores sound and voice in an incredibly moving and impactful way. The chorus becomes the landscape of the world itself, giving the audience a sense of the reverberations and echoes of the core action. The second act asks important questions about justice and revenge of both its characters and the audience.

View all 6 recommendations
7W, plus expandable ensemble

EDNA (INGRAM) 40s - 50s. A midwife, professionally trained. Religious, patient, calculated.

MEG DOOLEY/ WOMAN 1 late 20s - early 40s. A midwife, self-certain, natural leader

RETTA LONGWOOD /WOMAN 2 30s. Brass, boisterous, and strong

POLLY PLATT/ WOMAN 3 20s. Soft, sweet, and curious. Loves her husband.

LENNY RUTLEDGE /WOMAN 4 16. Ruthless, but longing. Runs for fun. Speaks boldly through a speech impediment

JULIA WINSHIP/ WOMAN 5 20s - 30s. Quiet, reluctant, and loving. A reader. Wants peace and safety. Loves Vee Malcolm.

VEE MALCOLM/ WOMAN 6 20s - 30s. Sarcastic, impatient, but earnest. Craves adventure. Love Julia Winship.

ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLE (OPTIONAL)
As many female-presenting bodies as the stage and budget can stand

Development History