Blue Beard by Rachel O'Hanlon-Rodriguez

A modern adaptation of a dark folk tale. B and Rhea just got engaged, and have just moved in with each other. She can do anything she wants to the house except open the basement door. When Rhea's sibling comes to visit, dreams and reality begin to overlap begging the sisters to ask what lies beneath all of this glory?
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Blue Beard

Recommended by

  • Stephen Graff:
    29 Jan. 2022
    “ Rachel O'Hanlon-Rodriguez has written a brilliantly captivating adaptation of the French horror/folktale updated to the present time. In this retelling, Blue Beard (or "B's") partner is told by him that she should never open the door to the basement even though he has given her the key. The central story has all the makings of a classic horror/suspense tale, but the subjects of this play are trauma and abuse inflicted by men and the empowerment of "victims" that must decide to take necessary action. This play approaches it's message with nuance and clever use of tropes. ”
  • Julie Zaffarano:
    21 Dec. 2021
    “ "Blue Beard" by Rachel O'Hanlon-Rodriguez is a gripping and intense thriller. Fast paced and tight dialogue. The more we come to care about these sisters, the more we worry for them. Would love to see this play staged. ”

Character Information

Note on casting: The actors playing sisters need not look like sisters. Beyond the fact that theater is an imaginary medium, in many mixed-race families siblings may not look like each other. Please utilize performers of various races, ethnicities, abilities, and body types.

This doesn’t mean color blind casting: Please also be conscious about casting choices. For example: if casting B as a Black masc performer, please do not cast Rhea as a white femme performer; so as not to perpetuate the toxic plot of white femme victims and Black masc predators. Thank you.

  • B
    he/him
    Charismatic, charming, protective, forceful. Seamlessly transitions into different states of being. He may physically appear different to other characters. He loves to the point of control.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Beda
    They/She
    Passionate, intuitive, stubborn, protective, confident. They care deeply for their sister and can sense things unseen. Quick witted, they follow their intuition and does not give a f**k. A survivor.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Rhea
    She/they
    Curious, gentle, strong when she needs to be, goes through the world with her heart open. They are the one on the journey. They are learning to be aware of a current guiding them along.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Commission
    ,
    Manayunk Theatre Company
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • Fringe
    ,
    Manayunk Theatre Company
    ,
    2020