Adoration of Dora

by Lojo Simon

An exploration of the nature of art and creativity through the story of surrealist photographer and one of Picasso’s many lovers, Dora Maar. Already an accomplished photographer when she and Picasso met in 1936, Maar is perhaps best known for being Picasso’s Weeping Woman, the subject of numerous portraits painted during and after the Spanish Civil War. Maar also photographed Picasso’s progress as he painted his...

An exploration of the nature of art and creativity through the story of surrealist photographer and one of Picasso’s many lovers, Dora Maar. Already an accomplished photographer when she and Picasso met in 1936, Maar is perhaps best known for being Picasso’s Weeping Woman, the subject of numerous portraits painted during and after the Spanish Civil War. Maar also photographed Picasso’s progress as he painted his anti-war masterpiece, Guernica. Adoration of Dora explores the conflict that Maar felt as both artist and muse to one of the most revered creative geniuses of the 20th century. With a cast of six women, Adoration of Dora draws its inspiration from the Parisian surrealist movement and the upheaval of the interwar period that shaped the art and politics of the time.

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Adoration of Dora

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Adoration of Dora by Lojo Simon
    “

    A fascinating look at the life of a female artist, Dora Maar, and her own journey. Well done.

    A fascinating look at the life of a female artist, Dora Maar, and her own journey. Well done.

    ”
  • Jennifer O'Grady: Adoration of Dora by Lojo Simon
    “

    Simon's play about Dora Maar is beautiful, powerful, and theatrical. I'd love to see this!

    Simon's play about Dora Maar is beautiful, powerful, and theatrical. I'd love to see this!

    ”
  • Ariana Burns: Adoration of Dora by Lojo Simon
    “

    Beautifully written. The play itself feels like a piece of art pulled from the period. The world it embraces is woven into the language of the play as the characters push boundaries in personal quests for self-discovery, creativity, and meaning in a war-torn era.

    Beautifully written. The play itself feels like a piece of art pulled from the period. The world it embraces is woven into the language of the play as the characters push boundaries in personal quests for self-discovery, creativity, and meaning in a war-torn era.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

DORA MAAR (called DORA)
DORA MAAR (called MAAR)
MARIE-THERESE WALTER
JACQUELINE
VALENTINE
NUSCH
All characters are female in their late 20s to early 30s. Dora and Maar are sultry, angular, dark-haired and may resemble one another (or not). They are, however, two sides of the same person.
In addition to their roles as Dora Maar’s friends, the actors playing Jacqueline, Valentine and Nusch also serve as a chorus of sorts, playing dream characters, which, for the most part, appear in sets of three. These parts demand great physical proficiency.
Double casting is as follows:
Jacqueline – Patron 2, Lover, Whore 3, Picasso, Fishmonger, Bull, Cat
Valentine – Patron 3, Whore 1, Picasso, Priest, Horse, Art Critic
Nusch – Patron 1, Lover, Whore 2, Picasso, German Dictator, Vegetable Seller
  • Dora Maar
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Maar
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Marie-Therese
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jacqueline
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Valentine
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Nusch
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, WSC Avant Bard, 2019
  • Reading, ATHE National Conference, 2012
  • Reading, Moxie Theatre, San Diego, 2010

Production History

  • University, University of Idaho, 2011
  • Professional, Idiom Theatre, Bellingham, Washington, 2015
  • Professional, KOLT Run Creations, Sacramento, CA, 2015

Awards

  • David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center/ATHE American College Theatre Festival
    Winner
    2012