she, with beard

by Andrew Saito

Medieval princess Wilgefortis, a closet Catholic, has her prays for protection against marrying the pagan King of Sicily answered when she grows a beard overnight. Enraged, the King of Sicily storms out, declaring war, and her father consequently orders her crucified. Thus displayed before the world, Wilgefortis becomes a symbol of hope for abused wives, wandering minstrels, and, above all, ‘monsters,’ who carry...

Medieval princess Wilgefortis, a closet Catholic, has her prays for protection against marrying the pagan King of Sicily answered when she grows a beard overnight. Enraged, the King of Sicily storms out, declaring war, and her father consequently orders her crucified. Thus displayed before the world, Wilgefortis becomes a symbol of hope for abused wives, wandering minstrels, and, above all, ‘monsters,’ who carry her icon and spread her message of acceptance around Europe.

Note: This play was previously titled 'The Patron Saint of Monsters.'

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she, with beard

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Playwrights Center (Minneapolis), Year 2013