Recognition

by Ken Weitzman

Recognition is based on the true story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who's study of Shakespeare uncannily leads to her becoming one of, if not the leading figure in U.S. codebreaking and cryptology. Her work, along with her husband’s, formed the basis of this country’s modern intelligence community, from the NSA, to CIA, to FBI. Smith Friedman’s story was hidden until recently because J. Edgar Hoover buried her...

Recognition is based on the true story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who's study of Shakespeare uncannily leads to her becoming one of, if not the leading figure in U.S. codebreaking and cryptology. Her work, along with her husband’s, formed the basis of this country’s modern intelligence community, from the NSA, to CIA, to FBI. Smith Friedman’s story was hidden until recently because J. Edgar Hoover buried her contributions to steal credit for himself.

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Recognition

Recommended by

  • Kareem Fahmy: Recognition by Ken Weitzman
    “

    In typical Ken Weitzman fashion, full of theatricality and verve, he crafts a story about a woman whose fascination with Shakespeare led to some of the most important cryptology discoveries ever made. I couldn't put this script down. It's at times stranger than fiction, and it paints a vivid portrait of a figure that may otherwise be lost in history.

    In typical Ken Weitzman fashion, full of theatricality and verve, he crafts a story about a woman whose fascination with Shakespeare led to some of the most important cryptology discoveries ever made. I couldn't put this script down. It's at times stranger than fiction, and it paints a vivid portrait of a figure that may otherwise be lost in history.

    ”
  • Premiere Stages at Kean University: Recognition by Ken Weitzman
    “

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Recognition as a Semi-Finalist for the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. Recognition rose through a competitive selection conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of professionals to become distinguished among 805 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the theme of needing to be recognized for one’s hard work. Our congratulations and thanks to Ken.

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Recognition as a Semi-Finalist for the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. Recognition rose through a competitive selection conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of professionals to become distinguished among 805 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the theme of needing to be recognized for one’s hard work. Our congratulations and thanks to Ken.

    ”
Characters: (for 6 - 11 actors)

Elizebeth Smith Friedman - Age flexible. She goes from early twenties to decades older during the span of the play though I'm not sure this needs to be depicted in any particular way, if at all.

William Friedman - Age flexible, same as with Elizebeth.

Hoover/Fabyan/Military Commander - Late 30s to early 50s.

Woman 1 - Both librarians. 30s-50s.

Woman 2 – 40s to early 60s. Mrs. Gallup, Mrs. Mancini, Nurse.

Man 2 – late 20s to late 30s. Mr. Herndon, Captain Root, Defense Lawyer, Lieutenant Jones.

Development History

  • Reading, Syracuse University, 2025