This is a modern play about science, gender and war. It should be inhabited by a culturally diverse cast. Not strictly “historical,” the play should have an ensemble feel to it - inspired by performance art.

SYNOPSIS: This play follows an imagined Florence as she struggles with life, death and authority in the Crimean War (1850s) and through her return to England. Along the way she changes the course of medical history.

On the eve of discoveries that will revolutionize medicine, Florence Nightingale fights a battle against disease, ignorance, and prejudice during one of the first ‘modern’ wars where more die in the hospital than the battlefield. A saint, a tyrant, an adversary, a friend: this icon restlessly inhabits this play about the casualties of war and the high price of high tea. The double title is a nod to 19th century theater: think Gilbert and Sullivan.

Doubling characters creates a cast of just 5 while retaining the epic quality of the play.