The Hired Man by Heather Meyer

A restless cattlewoman is hired on at struggling ranch in this a re-dreamed, re-invention of the Oedipus story set in the modern-day American West.
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The Hired Man

Recommended by

  • Doug DeVita:
    18 Aug. 2020
    “ This play by Heather Meyer is so beautifully written it takes on a life of its own completely apart from its source material, and in the process it becomes its own unique animal. Every single word is so perfectly chosen, every single character is so perfectly wrought, and every single moment is so perfectly placed the cumulative effect is almost overwhelming in its contrasting epic sweep and tragic intimacy. Simply stunning. ”
  • Rachel Teagle:
    9 Sep. 2018
    “ A sweeping drama with a juicy role for an actress in her late 30s/40s. This modern day Oedipus story traps its characters so effectively that you’ll be watching the last scene through your fingers. ”

Character Information

4 women
2 men

  • Matty
    30-40,
    Any
    ,
    Female-identifying
    36 years old, female a professional cattle hand. The dirt on her hands has been there for years. She's striking, but there are no long pretty curls hiding beneath her cowboy hat, she's functional and practical.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Ellen
    18,
    Any
    ,
    appears cis-female
    18 years old, female, a senior in high school. Hank's granddaughter, has lived with Hank since she was six. Thinks she knows everything, but obviously doesn't.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Hank
    61,
    Any
    ,
    a cis Male
    61 years old, male, owns a small cattle ranch. Handsome, fit, charming, it's easy to see his wild younger days still in his eyes.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Georgette
    52,
    Any
    ,
    a cis Female
    52 years old, female, gorgeous, outgoing, intelligent. Hank's girlfriend of five years. She's buried one husband and divorced the second. Does not suffer fools.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Linda
    40,
    Any
    ,
    appears cis-female
    40 years old, female, Matty's mother. Is stuck in time nearly twenty years prior, exists only in Matty's mind but haunts her entire being. Permeates through the space like something between a ghost and disease. Smokes with the accompanying smoker's cough.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Tim
    22,
    Any
    ,
    a cis Male
    22 years old, male, a professional cattle hand, been working on Hank's ranch for three years. Hard-working, believes in justice, fragile ego.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    University of Tennessee
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Playwrights Cabal, Minneapolis MN
    ,
    2018
  • Workshop
    ,
    Cincinnati Lab Theatre
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    National Winter Playwrights Residency, Creede Co
    ,
    2017