Queen by Madhuri Shekar

PhD candidates Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe. Just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations, which could cause catastrophic damage to their reputations, careers, and friendship. Now, Sanam is confronted with an impossible choice: look...
PhD candidates Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe. Just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations, which could cause catastrophic damage to their reputations, careers, and friendship. Now, Sanam is confronted with an impossible choice: look the other way or stand by her principles and accept the consequences?

WINNER: 2019 New York Innovative Theatre Awards, Outstanding Original Full Length Script
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Queen

Recommended by

  • Maggie Blair Smith:
    23 Apr. 2023
    “ This is such a fascinating exploration of morals and doing what is right through the eyes of science. Well written and a pleasure to read! ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    22 Apr. 2021
    “ Could an error of calculations ruin it all for these aspiring academics? Or could integrity be the way? Fantastic. ”
  • Emily McClain:
    14 Apr. 2021
    “ Oh my goodness this play was wonderful! Mixing the complexity of science and research with the complexity of female friendship creates a truly compelling story. I loved it! ”
View all 12 recommendations

2f, 2m

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Ma-Yi Theatre Labfest
    ,
    2017
  • Workshop
    ,
    Victory Gardens Theatre, Edgerton New Play workshop
    ,
    2016
  • Residency
    ,
    Hedgebrook Playwrights Festival
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Victory Gardens Theater, Ignition Festival
    ,
    2015
  • Workshop
    ,
    Blank Theatre, Living Room Series
    ,
    2015
  • Reading
    ,
    Oregon Shakespeare Festival
    ,
    2014
  • Workshop
    ,
    Center Theatre Group
    ,
    2014

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Astoria Performing Arts Center
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Prathidhwani with ACT
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    EnActe Theater
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Victory Gardens Theatre
    ,
    2017

Awards

Winner
,
Outstanding Original Full Length Script
,
New York Innovative Theatre Awards,
,
2019
Runner Up
,
Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Award
,
Kennedy Center
,
2017
Kilroy's List Nominee
,
2017
Nomination for Best New Play
,
Jeff Awards
,
2017
Winner: Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
,
2016