Drowning Ophelia

by Rachel Luann Strayer

FULL-LENGTH PLAY. 15-page excerpt posted on New Play Exchange. Full script available through Blue Moon Plays: https://havescripts.com/product/drowning-ophelia/

Jane doesn’t know what to do with the literary character who has taken up residence in her bathtub. Ophelia delights in singing songs about death and valentines, interrupting Jane’s carefully planned fantasy dates with an actor named Edmund, and bringing up memories of a brother Jane would rather forget. As Jane’s past intrudes dangerously on her present, it becomes clear that Ophelia is not simply a character from "Hamlet," but a long-forgotten messenger with a question from Jane’s own troubled mind: How do you move on when reconciliation is not an option?

"Drowning Ophelia" is a dark comedy performed in one act about the long-term consequences of childhood abuse, and a love letter to those who have suffered. There is always hope.

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Drowning Ophelia

Recommended by

Daniel Prillaman: Drowning Ophelia by Rachel Luann Strayer

“

I LOVED reading this. Strayer's play is brutal, yet delicate, and theatrically enthralling as Jane and Ophelia both struggle to articulate anguish that cannot be put into words or song. The whole piece results in a mind-bending, intricate puzzle of trauma and grief, a brilliant metaphor for what it feels like mentally to try and unpack and acknowledge the hurt caused by our wrongdoers. Such fun design opportunities here, as well! I would love so much to see this on its feet.

I LOVED reading this. Strayer's play is brutal, yet delicate, and theatrically enthralling as Jane and Ophelia both struggle to articulate anguish that cannot be put into words or song. The whole piece results in a mind-bending, intricate puzzle of trauma and grief, a brilliant metaphor for what it feels like mentally to try and unpack and acknowledge the hurt caused by our wrongdoers. Such fun design opportunities here, as well! I would love so much to see this on its feet.

”
Nick Malakhow: Drowning Ophelia by Rachel Luann Strayer

“

A powerful, moving, funny, theatrical piece that examines trauma and sexual abuse in a way that only theater can. The figure in the tub is a direct, potent, and inventive extended metaphor for Jane's processing of her trauma, and the way the piece winds back and forth through time and space builds tension and suspense. From a designer's, actor's, and director's perspective, there is so much to do here! Even as she weaves a wholly new contemporary story, Strayer also manages to unpack the legacy of what Shakespeare and history/interpretation have done to Ophelia as well.

A powerful, moving, funny, theatrical piece that examines trauma and sexual abuse in a way that only theater can. The figure in the tub is a direct, potent, and inventive extended metaphor for Jane's processing of her trauma, and the way the piece winds back and forth through time and space builds tension and suspense. From a designer's, actor's, and director's perspective, there is so much to do here! Even as she weaves a wholly new contemporary story, Strayer also manages to unpack the legacy of what Shakespeare and history/interpretation have done to Ophelia as well.

”
Toby Malone: Drowning Ophelia by Rachel Luann Strayer

“

A devastating, beautifully crafted survivor's tale that weaves skilfully between memory and imagination, between thought and action, all supported by a bratty, wilful, wise Ophelia who walks alongside Jane as she wrangles with her trauma and survivor's guilt. Brilliantly intense and thoughtful, this play brings the trauma of survival to the fore and offers no easy answers or resolutions. Wonderful work.

A devastating, beautifully crafted survivor's tale that weaves skilfully between memory and imagination, between thought and action, all supported by a bratty, wilful, wise Ophelia who walks alongside Jane as she wrangles with her trauma and survivor's guilt. Brilliantly intense and thoughtful, this play brings the trauma of survival to the fore and offers no easy answers or resolutions. Wonderful work.

”

View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

In addition to the four actors in this play, there are two VOICES; one is an electronic voice heard when fetching voicemail messages and the other is the female voice of a nurse who leaves messages for Jane. Both can be pre-recorded. The voicemail messages from EDMUND and ADAM may also be pre-recorded.

Ophelia

At first sight, Ophelia appears to be straight out of Shakespeare's HAMLET, and her language reflects this. She is child-like, but purposeful in all she says and does. She very much cares about all the characters in the play, and wishes more than anything to communicate what is troubling her, so it might be resolved.

Character Age

Ageless but child-like

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Jane

Jane is a bit obsessive and a tad on edge. She likes to stay in control of her surroundings, even so far as to hire someone who will play romantic roles with her, while staying at a safe, non-personal distance. She is aware of Ophelia at all times and her greatest goal is to keep Ophelia contained in her bathtub where she belongs. Jane needs to grieve two great losses in her life, but is desperate not to face them at all.

Character Age

18-45

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Adam

Adam is devastatingly likable, at least in his interactions with Ophelia. He is fun and funny and loving...until he isn't. With Jane, he can vacillate between brash and distant, tense and nonchalant. Adam should be able to make the audience fall in love with him, until her breaks their hearts.

Character Age

20-49

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Edmund

Edmund is an actor, equal parts charm and awkwardness. He genuinely likes Jane, but is troubled by her outbursts. He is minimally aware of Ophelia, and will attempt to ignore her for Jane's benefit. He's nice, but ill-equipped to handle what's happening in Jane's life.

Character Age

18-49

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble , Year 2012
Type Reading, Organization Wilkes University at the Drama Book Shop, Year 2010

Production History

Type Professional, Organization NDNA Productions, Year 2024
Type University, Organization Wayne State University, Year 2024
Type University, Organization Eastern Washington University, Year 2023
Type High School, Organization Pinecrest Players Theatre, Year 2021
Type University, Organization Acadia University, Year 2021
Type University, Organization University of Indianapolis - Department of Theatre, Year 2021
Type University, Organization University of Toronto, Year 2021
Type University, Organization University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department, Year 2019
Type Community Theater, Organization Gaslight Theatre Company, Year 2016
Type Fringe, Organization Ensemble Atria & Eager Risk Theater, Year 2016
Type Professional, Organization Repurposed Theatre, Year 2013

Genre

comedy,

dark comedy,

drama

Subject Matter Keywords

metoo,

memory,

sexual abuse

Length

60-90 minutes

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://havescripts.com/product/drowning-ophelia/

Script Sample

RLStrayer_Drowning Ophelia_Excerpt_NPX.pdf

Reviews

Phindie

“
This poetic and powerful production, written by Rachel Luann Strayer, understands that sometimes what’s in our head is more real than what’s outside of it.
”
Broad Street Review

“
Strayer’s well-crafted story builds to a powerful climax in a production notable for its well-chosen playing space, smart low-budget design touches, and committed, nuanced acting. While Ophelia speaks the dialogue that Shakespeare wrote for her over 400 years ago, Drowning Ophelia is a present-day drama that explores timeless truths.
”
Theatre Storm

“
Rachel Stayer has constructed an extraordinary and moving script from these elements. Her language is witty, poetic and psychologically true. Her interesting riffs on Shakespeare’s language in Hamlet are skillfully done and add a lot of theatrical interest.
”