Crazy Bitch by Blair Cadden

by Blair Cadden and April Bandy-Taylor

Crazy Bitch is a devised piece inspired by first-hand accounts of women incarcerated in asylums during the 18th and 19th centuries. Through the actual words of these women plus original poetry and prose, Crazy Bitch tells the story of Jane, a contemporary woman who finds herself involuntarily committed, and the voices from the past that come to guide her....
by Blair Cadden and April Bandy-Taylor

Crazy Bitch is a devised piece inspired by first-hand accounts of women incarcerated in asylums during the 18th and 19th centuries. Through the actual words of these women plus original poetry and prose, Crazy Bitch tells the story of Jane, a contemporary woman who finds herself involuntarily committed, and the voices from the past that come to guide her.

As these historical women share their stories, we come to see the threads that connect all women who have been silenced. At the same time, Jane comes to see the power that lies in breaking that silence.
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Crazy Bitch

Recommended by

  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn:
    23 Jun. 2022
    “ Forensics coaches, this is a powerful piece to consider for a strong female ensemble! Poetic and musical, yet hauntingly real, this play touches on how women were expected to behave and how they were punished for stepping out of line. Worse yet, some truly needed help but were only punished more with harsh techniques. Like Jane, it is easy to mistrust the intentions of those you are forced to seek help from. But there is hope. And there is help. ”
  • Alexa Schoffel:
    8 Jun. 2022
    “ A beautiful narrative detailing the overlooked female experience within asylums throughout time. It's sad how little has changed over the years, but the final glimpse of optimism made the story one of hope and courage, rather than despair. Would love to see this come to life onstage! ”

Character Information

  • Jane
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Phebe Davis
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Elizabeth Packard
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Margaret Wilson
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Jane Hillyer
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Clarissa Lathrop
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Anna Agnew
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    5th Wall Productions
    ,
    2018

Production History

  • High School
    ,
    Bullis School
    ,
    2020
  • Fringe
    ,
    5th Wall Productions
    ,
    2018