Two Ladies of Vermont

by Leanna Keyes

"Two Ladies of Vermont" is a queer and trans riff on Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona​." Four Millennials explore their faith, their relationships, and their duty to live their authentic lives. This play takes the basic skeleton of Shakepeare's play, takes out the terribly sexist ending, and inserts representation and ideas that matter now. Valentine and Proteus leave their too-small hometown in Vermont on...

"Two Ladies of Vermont" is a queer and trans riff on Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona​." Four Millennials explore their faith, their relationships, and their duty to live their authentic lives. This play takes the basic skeleton of Shakepeare's play, takes out the terribly sexist ending, and inserts representation and ideas that matter now. Valentine and Proteus leave their too-small hometown in Vermont on a quest for love and prosperity in Boston. Silvia works to figure out her sexuality and escape her helicopter parent, the overbearing Duke. Julia/Sebastian is a non-binary person of faith becoming the truest version of themself.

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Two Ladies of Vermont

Recommended by

  • Reinette LeJeune: Two Ladies of Vermont

    A nice take on what is considered and debated to be Shakespeare's weakest play. The characters are all distinct, not only from one another, but in an overall nuanced way that brings new life into this story as it is set in the present day. I also commend Leanna Keyes for two main things: first, the using of Julia/Sebastian, Shakespeare's first attempt at using crossdressing to explore a non-binary identity that it sparks; second, this script calls out Proteus for his fuck-boy nonsense, providing a proper example of how to better yourself after making similiar mistakes. Fun script!

    A nice take on what is considered and debated to be Shakespeare's weakest play. The characters are all distinct, not only from one another, but in an overall nuanced way that brings new life into this story as it is set in the present day. I also commend Leanna Keyes for two main things: first, the using of Julia/Sebastian, Shakespeare's first attempt at using crossdressing to explore a non-binary identity that it sparks; second, this script calls out Proteus for his fuck-boy nonsense, providing a proper example of how to better yourself after making similiar mistakes. Fun script!

Character Information

No one in this play needs to be white or pretty or skinny. Please cast responsibly.
  • Valentine
    a lesbian woman
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    woman
  • Proteus
    a straight man. a bro
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Man
  • Silvia
    a bi-curious woman
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    woman
  • Julia / Sebastian
    a non-binary person who is attracted to men
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Non-binary
  • Duke
    the voice of tradition
    Character Age
    40s-50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Man

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Stanford Alumni Arts Grant - self-produced, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Fresno State University, Year 2023