Persephone by Jennifer O'Grady

Published in THE BEST NEW TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2019 (Applause)

(10 Min) A modern riff on the myth of Persephone, forced to leave her family behind forever. This Persephone returns to give her small child an unusual gift--a new mom.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Persephone

Recommended by

  • Sam Rozov:
    21 Jan. 2022
    “ This play is ingenious in its unique way of speaking to the audience, and offers a heartwarming ending. It really illustrates the concept of love transcending death.
    ”
  • Anita Abbaraju:
    21 Jan. 2022
    “ Such a beautifully written play. This piece is filled with small intimate moments and the connection made with the audience is heartwarming. I loved it. ”
  • Eliya Rostolder:
    18 Jan. 2022
    “ Persephone is such a heartwarming yet hilarious play. Persephone talking directly to the audience makes the play feel very personal. Wonderful message about life after death. A must read! ”
View all 32 recommendations

Character Information

  • Persephone
    30s.
    Deceased.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Laurence
    30s.
    Her husband.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ellen
    30s.
    Her friend.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jill
    60s.
    Her mother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    WineBox Players
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • High School
    ,
    Bergen County Academies (NJ)
    ,
    2022
  • Professional
    ,
    Spark Creative Works (NY)
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Lionheart Theatre Company (GA)
    ,
    2021
  • High School
    ,
    Deer Park High School (NY)
    ,
    2021
  • University
    ,
    El Camino College (CA)
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    Lowell Arts Theater (MI)
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    The Hive Collaborative (UT)
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Heartland Theatre Company (IL)
    ,
    2018

Awards

Publication, The Best New Ten-Minute Plays 2019
,
Applause Theater & Cinema Books
,
2019
Winner
,
Playbytes by Playwrights Ten-Minute Play Contest
,
Lowell Arts Theater
,
2019
Selection
,
The Ten Show Contest
,
The Hive Collaborative
,
2019
Winner
,
10-Minute Play Contest
,
Heartland Theatre Company
,
2018