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...
"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:
    20 Dec. 2020
    “ 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
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    woman
    a lesbian woman
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Silvia
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    woman
    a bi-curious woman
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Proteus
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Man
    a straight man. a bro
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Julia / Sebastian
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Non-binary
    a non-binary person who is attracted to men
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Non-binary
  • Duke
    40s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    Man
    the voice of tradition
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Stanford Alumni Arts Grant - self-produced
    ,
    2019