Before Lesbians by Elana Gartner

When Charlotte and Vivian meet, they are about to marry their fiancés who are leaving to fight for President Lincoln. Through letters and visits, Charlotte and Vivian nurture their friendship, sharing books and projects to support the troops and their husbands. In an era where women were not recognized as sexual beings and when words did not exist for women falling in love, Charlotte and Vivian struggle to...
When Charlotte and Vivian meet, they are about to marry their fiancés who are leaving to fight for President Lincoln. Through letters and visits, Charlotte and Vivian nurture their friendship, sharing books and projects to support the troops and their husbands. In an era where women were not recognized as sexual beings and when words did not exist for women falling in love, Charlotte and Vivian struggle to understand the confusing feelings they are developing for each other while the Civil War rages on.
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Before Lesbians

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    13 Mar. 2021
    “ A moving and beautifully portrayed love story during a time when there's a world pulling them together and apart simultaneously. Excellent. ”
  • Barbara Blumenthal-Ehrlich:
    20 Aug. 2020
    “ A poignant and beautifully-crafted story of love's discovery in a time before language helped women navigate the new and surprising revelations about lesbian relationships. The irrepressable romance between Charlotte and Vivian in the Civil War era unfolds in real time with exquisite and passionate moments of self discovery. Couldn't put it down. Would love to see it staged! ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman:
    16 Aug. 2020
    “ Before Lesbians is a beautiful play that Gartner crafts with great skill. The characters are blessed with both internal and external conflicts that Gartner teases out line by line so that the characters have to reinvent themselves before our eyes. This transformation is both enchanting, exhilarating and heartbreaking. Read it, produce it, let it live on many stages. And may we all find ways to re-imagine ourselves inspired by this play. ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

JAMES: Male, Caucasian, early 20’s. Upper middle class. Works for the government.

CHARLOTTE: Female, Caucasian, early 20’s. Upper middle class.

HENRY: Male, Caucasian, mid-20’s. Middle class. Interest in personal accounting business.

VIVIAN: Female, Caucasian, mid-20’s. Middle class. Bookworm.

  • Vivian
    Mid 20's,
    White
    ,
    Female
    Middle class. Bookworm.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Charlotte
    Early 20's,
    White
    ,
    Female
    Upper Middle Class.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • James
    Early 20's,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Upper Middle Class.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Henry
    Mid 20's,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Middle class. Interest in accounting.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Dayton FutureFest
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Good Luck Macbeth
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    YellowRose Productions
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Oberlin College
    ,
    2017
  • Workshop
    ,
    EMG Playwriting Workshop and Manhattan Oracles
    ,
    2016

Awards

Henley Rose Playwright Competition for Women (2nd Place)
,
Yellow Rose Productions
,
2018