Cercle Hermaphroditos by Shualee Cook

In 1895 New York, trans man Ambrose Carlton finds a rare opportunity to beat the restrictively gendered system around him when he meets Laureline Reeves, founder of an underground social club for trans femmes known as the Cercle Hermaphroditos. Ambrose hopes to find a lady at the club he can legally marry, then play the roles expected of them in public while pursuing the life they want in private. But finding...
In 1895 New York, trans man Ambrose Carlton finds a rare opportunity to beat the restrictively gendered system around him when he meets Laureline Reeves, founder of an underground social club for trans femmes known as the Cercle Hermaphroditos. Ambrose hopes to find a lady at the club he can legally marry, then play the roles expected of them in public while pursuing the life they want in private. But finding the proper match becomes more difficult than he expected, especially after the club is raided by police and the fragile safe place Laureline has created threatens to break apart for good. Based on true historical events.
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Cercle Hermaphroditos

Recommended by

  • Gina Femia:
    4 May. 2021
    “ I love this play so much; Shualee is gifted at farce and creating memorable, fun, deep characters. I love how big and epic this play is and can't wait to see it produced and become part of our theatrical canon. Shualee is a bold playwright with a necessary and urgent voice. Produce this work! ”
  • Samuel Achilles Edwards:
    28 Nov. 2020
    “ Wonderfully written with delightful characters, fascinating history, and a very loving look at trans life and community. I keep thinking about this wonderful piece, and would gladly recommend it to anyone. I hope I get to see it performed in person one day! ”
  • Francesca Pazniokas:
    24 May. 2020
    “ A few hours after reading Cook's play, I found myself missing her witty, charming, courageous characters as if they were dear friends. A true gem of a play. It should be widely produced, but until that happens (and I believe it will happen!) it's such a joy to read. ”
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Laureline Reeves - trans woman, 38, mastermind and ringleader of the Cercle Hermaphroditos
Ambrose Carlton - trans man, mid 20s, prominent "gynander" looking to marry on his own terms
Bertram Templeton - cis man, 30s, Ambrose's brother, active mover in the banking world
Jennie June - trans woman, 22, college student and aspiring author
Phyllis Angevine - trans woman, 33, queen of the Rialto "androgynes"
Plum Gardner - trans woman, 23, clerk by day, ingenue by night
Officer Leahy - cis man, 30s, an old hand at the beat
Officer Clark - cis man, late 20s, straight laced and by the book
A Gentleman and a Man, played by the actors playing Leahy and Clark

Development History

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
Princess Grace Award
,
2019
Winner
,
Parity Commission
,
Parity Productions
,
2019