Persephone by Jennifer O'Grady

Published in THE BEST NEW TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2019.

(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.
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Persephone

Recommended by

  • Jack Levine:
    29 Oct. 2020
    “ JENNIFER O’GRADY’s play is magnificent! The circle of life is so much a part of this moving play. A man tragically loses his wife; his young son loses his mother. Each needs to cope. In this play, “Persephone” - the name of the deceased - finds a way to help from the after-world. I love this play and want to see it performed on stage. ”
  • Dave Osmundsen:
    22 Aug. 2020
    “ SUCH a beautiful play that is emotionally resonant and theatrical. The final moments are stunning. ”
  • Maximillian Gill:
    22 Aug. 2020
    “ This play feels so much bigger than its short length. The themes of loss and renewal, the fully rounded characters--each with their own arcs--the mythic layer, all are packed into a piece that takes us on an emotionally rich and rewarding journey in a short span of time. What O'Grady is able to achieve here is simply astonishing. ”
View all 22 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
    ,
    Spark Creative Works
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • University
    ,
    El Camino College, Torrance, CA
    ,
    2020
  • University
    ,
    Mount St. Mary's University (MD)
    ,
    2020
  • Professional
    ,
    Lowell Arts Theater, Lowell, MI
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Heartland Theatre Company, Normal, IL
    ,
    2018

Awards

Selection
,
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
Winner
,
The Ten Show
,
The Hive Collaborative
,
2019
Winner
,
10-Minute Play Contest
,
Heartland Theatre Company
,
2018