Mrs. Harrison

by R. Eric Thomas

Mrs. Harrison is about two women and one story. At their 10-year college reunion, Aisha and Holly meet by chance. Is this the first time or has it just been a long time? They can't agree. Aisha is a black, successful playwright; she's on the cover of the alumni magazine. Holly is a white, struggling stand-up comedian; she's here for the free drinks. Aisha's most successful play bears a striking resemblance to a...

Mrs. Harrison is about two women and one story. At their 10-year college reunion, Aisha and Holly meet by chance. Is this the first time or has it just been a long time? They can't agree. Aisha is a black, successful playwright; she's on the cover of the alumni magazine. Holly is a white, struggling stand-up comedian; she's here for the free drinks. Aisha's most successful play bears a striking resemblance to a tragic event in Holly's life. Is it a coincidence or is it theft? As a rainstorm interrupts the outdoor reunion, they find themselves trapped inside, together. They both have a story that they've been telling themselves about what happened all those years ago and they're both willing to fight for the truth in the present.

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Mrs. Harrison

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Mrs. Harrison by R. Eric Thomas
    “

    A powerful reunion between two storytellers and the ownership of the past. Well done.

    A powerful reunion between two storytellers and the ownership of the past. Well done.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: Mrs. Harrison by R. Eric Thomas
    “

    “Mrs. Harrison” is a gripping drama with compelling and complex female roles. R. Eric Thomas masterfully propels his audience though a journey of ownership, ambition, race, and former friendship. Brilliant.

    “Mrs. Harrison” is a gripping drama with compelling and complex female roles. R. Eric Thomas masterfully propels his audience though a journey of ownership, ambition, race, and former friendship. Brilliant.

    ”
  • Paul Donnelly: Mrs. Harrison by R. Eric Thomas
    “

    Mrs. Harrison is an extraordinarily compelling two-hander about the construction and ownership of memory and the impact of race on both life and art. Holly's casual racism and sense of grievance slam hard against Aisha's identity, both the real and constructed parts. The riveting question pulsing under their confrontation is, does one own a story for having experienced it or must one also truly understand it? This is a piece that should be produced widely for its skill as well as for the issues it raises.

    Mrs. Harrison is an extraordinarily compelling two-hander about the construction and ownership of memory and the impact of race on both life and art. Holly's casual racism and sense of grievance slam hard against Aisha's identity, both the real and constructed parts. The riveting question pulsing under their confrontation is, does one own a story for having experienced it or must one also truly understand it? This is a piece that should be produced widely for its skill as well as for the issues it raises.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Holly
    32
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Aisha
    32
    Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

Production History

  • Professional, Indiana Repertory Theatre, 2021
  • Professional, 2019
  • Professional, Azuka Theatre, 2018
  • University, College of Charleston Center Stage, 2018

Awards

  • Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Drama
    Lambda Literary
    Winner
    2022
  • BARRYMORE AWARD for BEST NEW PLAY
    Theatre Philadelphia
    Finalist
    2018
  • What If? Playwriting Contest
    What If? Productions
    Finalist
    2017