A Murther of Crows

by Jessica Austgen

FULL-LENGTH. In the back room of a grimy Elizabethan tavern, a trio of cutthroats—burly butcher Ned, the mysteriously aristocratic Sir and young, idealistic Kit--prepare for their final job. The mood is grim—Joan, the barmaid is late delivering their orders, they’re short a lookout, and no one is willing to talk about whatever the hell happened in Scotland. Matters are further complicated when Ned’s daughter...

FULL-LENGTH. In the back room of a grimy Elizabethan tavern, a trio of cutthroats—burly butcher Ned, the mysteriously aristocratic Sir and young, idealistic Kit--prepare for their final job. The mood is grim—Joan, the barmaid is late delivering their orders, they’re short a lookout, and no one is willing to talk about whatever the hell happened in Scotland. Matters are further complicated when Ned’s daughter Edie arrives, disguised as her brother Edward, to volunteer as their fourth.
When the dispatch is finally delivered, however, the target is more complicated than expected, leading to a charged, steel-crashing confrontation at midnight on a lonely road outside the gates of London.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

A Murther of Crows

Recommended by

  • Ky Weeks: A Murther of Crows by Jessica Austgen
    “

    Austgen handles the tone of this play like a blade, switching from swashbuckling comedy and witty dialogue to true cloak-and-dagger menace so deftly you don't even realize the danger until the point of no return has already been crossed. If you've ever wondered what those hired killers in the period dramas do after slinking off into the shadows, if you're seeking a play that calls for character work as skillful as the swordplay, or if you're just a lover of all things grim and roguish, check this one out.

    Austgen handles the tone of this play like a blade, switching from swashbuckling comedy and witty dialogue to true cloak-and-dagger menace so deftly you don't even realize the danger until the point of no return has already been crossed. If you've ever wondered what those hired killers in the period dramas do after slinking off into the shadows, if you're seeking a play that calls for character work as skillful as the swordplay, or if you're just a lover of all things grim and roguish, check this one out.

    ”
  • Kate Danley: A Murther of Crows by Jessica Austgen
    “

    Great pacing! Wonderful characters! Atmosphere so thick, you could cut it with a dagger! This entire play is moody, joy-filled, swashbuckling fun.

    Great pacing! Wonderful characters! Atmosphere so thick, you could cut it with a dagger! This entire play is moody, joy-filled, swashbuckling fun.

    ”
  • Quinn Xavier Hernandez: A Murther of Crows by Jessica Austgen
    “

    Daring and bold. A Murther of Crows gives us a glimpse at another version of Elizabethan England, one masterfully crafted with all the weapons, murder, mystery you can handle. Jessica Austgen seamlessly pearls out information and keeps us waiting to see what’s coming next through well-defined characters and dialogue that feels as much modern as it does period.

    Daring and bold. A Murther of Crows gives us a glimpse at another version of Elizabethan England, one masterfully crafted with all the weapons, murder, mystery you can handle. Jessica Austgen seamlessly pearls out information and keeps us waiting to see what’s coming next through well-defined characters and dialogue that feels as much modern as it does period.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Strange Sun Theater Company, 2018

Awards

  • Hidden River Arts Playwriting Award
    Hidden River Arts
    Finalist
    2018
  • Terry Dodd Memorial Fellowship in Dramatic Writing
    Lighthouse Writer's Workshop
    Finalist
    2017
  • Judith Royer Award of Excellence in Playwriting
    Association for Theatre in Higher Education
    Finalist
    2018