House of Joy (NEW VERSION - 2022)

by Madhuri Shekar

(If you've read and liked this play before, or seen it on stage before 2022, thank you so much! I've done a big rewrite with new versions of the characters and a new story - here is the updated draft that premiered at St. Louis Rep in August 2022.)

At first glance, the House of Joy is a dazzling utopia. But when a new guard joins the emperor’s army, she discovers it’s more prison than paradise. This genre...

(If you've read and liked this play before, or seen it on stage before 2022, thank you so much! I've done a big rewrite with new versions of the characters and a new story - here is the updated draft that premiered at St. Louis Rep in August 2022.)

At first glance, the House of Joy is a dazzling utopia. But when a new guard joins the emperor’s army, she discovers it’s more prison than paradise. This genre-busting adventure fantasy is filled with stunning locales, electrifying combat, steamy romance and queer femme power in all its forms.

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House of Joy (NEW VERSION - 2022)

Recommended by

  • Cary Simowitz: House of Joy (NEW VERSION - 2022) by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    I just got home from seeing this ambitious play at the St. Louis Rep. I'm excited to see how this play continues to grow and develop.

    I just got home from seeing this ambitious play at the St. Louis Rep. I'm excited to see how this play continues to grow and develop.

    ”
  • Jolie Frazer-Madge: House of Joy (NEW VERSION - 2022) by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    I went into this play not knowing what to expect and I was totally enthralled the whole time. So much fun and so thought-provoking.

    I went into this play not knowing what to expect and I was totally enthralled the whole time. So much fun and so thought-provoking.

    ”
  • Kate Schnetzer: House of Joy (NEW VERSION - 2022) by Madhuri Shekar
    “

    I meant to only skim this play but I ended up staying up late finishing it. This thriller keeps you engaged until the very end. The language is fresh and captures the vivid environment the characters exist within. Hits all the right beats of tension, tenderness, and pure excitement. The story remains bright, lively, and fast-paced throughout, with characters you can root for. It gave me a craving for more stories like this one; which is something I didn't know we needed but that I'm now certain is essential.

    I meant to only skim this play but I ended up staying up late finishing it. This thriller keeps you engaged until the very end. The language is fresh and captures the vivid environment the characters exist within. Hits all the right beats of tension, tenderness, and pure excitement. The story remains bright, lively, and fast-paced throughout, with characters you can root for. It gave me a craving for more stories like this one; which is something I didn't know we needed but that I'm now certain is essential.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Classical Theater of Harlem, 2019
  • Reading, South Coast Repertory, 2018
  • Workshop, New York Stage and Film, 2018
  • Reading, Atlantic Stage, 2017
  • Workshop, Juilliard School of Drama, 2017
  • Reading, Pratidhwani Theatre, Seattle, 2017

Production History

  • Professional, The Repertory Theater of St Louis, 2022
  • Professional, Cal Shakes, 2019