“ 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. ”

“ Strayer's "Drowning Ophelia" is a survivor's tale, of a woman's journey to rise above the brokenness and betrayal one feels when abused by a beloved family member, one whose departure makes confrontation impossible. Ophelia never had the opportunity to confront her abuser, and so Hamlet gets to move forward feeling as though he got something wrong and feel bad about it. Strayer's protagonist also grapples to attain peace through action, fighting madness, and we're left to hope that she some day will. It is a strong narrative, poetically rendered, and I would be thrilled to one day experience a production. ”

“ In turns funny and devastating, the play weaves in Shakespeare's language with contemporary dialogue for a surprising and emotional experience. Strayer peppers smart hints throughout, but the twist near the end is still a gut-punch. ”