Portrait of a Woman's Tears

by Katherine Gwynn

Elaine has lost the ability to cry--but that's the least of her problems. See, there's Quinn, her newborn who won't stop criticizing her. Elaine's (ex) husband Nate is no help either, ever since he moved into the doghouse in the backyard to try to find his inspiration to paint again. Thea, the new nanny and a nude painting recently come to life, brings relief and trouble in equal measure. And Peanut, the family...

Elaine has lost the ability to cry--but that's the least of her problems. See, there's Quinn, her newborn who won't stop criticizing her. Elaine's (ex) husband Nate is no help either, ever since he moved into the doghouse in the backyard to try to find his inspiration to paint again. Thea, the new nanny and a nude painting recently come to life, brings relief and trouble in equal measure. And Peanut, the family dog, mostly tries to make sure Elaine has a drink in hand. In this absurdist comedy, art, gender, emotional labor, and motherhood are all explored as well as the question: what does it mean to cry for someone?

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Portrait of a Woman's Tears

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Portrait of a Woman's Tears

    A perceptive and revealing look at motherhood and the weight one has on their shoulders. Well done.

    A perceptive and revealing look at motherhood and the weight one has on their shoulders. Well done.

  • Unicorn Theatre: Portrait of a Woman's Tears

    This play was a SEMIFINALIST for the 2019-2020 In-Progress New Play Reading Series at Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. It is our pleasure to support PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN'S TEARS.

    This play was a SEMIFINALIST for the 2019-2020 In-Progress New Play Reading Series at Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. It is our pleasure to support PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN'S TEARS.

  • Lindsay Kennedy: Portrait of a Woman's Tears

    A sharp look at motherhood, mental illness, and the effect on women when others make them bear all of the emotional burden. None of that sounds particularly funny, but this play deals with all of it with a wonderfully clever sense of humor.

    A sharp look at motherhood, mental illness, and the effect on women when others make them bear all of the emotional burden. None of that sounds particularly funny, but this play deals with all of it with a wonderfully clever sense of humor.

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Rockhurst University , Year 2017

Awards

  • LezPlay Contest
    Pride Films & Plays
    Finalist
    2019
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Finalist
    2018