I enjoy Nora Louise Syran's dramatic monologue "Eight Maids a Milking" because it is set on a farm, that it showcases a farmer at work. I like how self-aware the farmer is of herself, how aware she is of the family's history and its present, and at how others look at her and compare her to a standard of womanhood she doesn't meet. And I like how she gets done what she needs to get done.

I admire this nose-to-the-grindstone monloogue.

Within this series of short works, this monologue stands out as that bit different. A strong piece of writing for an actor looking at the nature of the character's life as a farmer and as a woman. The monologue is aimed at a cow while it is being milked - there is a connection between human and animal and it is powerful.

"I try not to look you in the eyes. You've such sad eyes. Perpetual pregnancy, perpetual grief."

As a society, we prefer clear rules. It's why we try to define people by what we're familiar with, often at the expense of their humanity. Nora Louise Syran's EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING subtly captures this tension with the milk maid’s monologue. How are we perceived and how do we define ourselves? How does what we do live inside of us? Simple and quiet with a physical repetition that grounds it, this play is sure to leave a lasting impression.