←Recommendations of Once I Was a Kingdom

An atmospheric, powerful piece that packs a lot into a short play. The exploration of power, politics, gender, and race and nationality is complex, and Cooper-Novack manages to examine the historical legacy of these themes and issues. The palpable tension is masterfully-executed and hinges on nuanced and subtle shifts rather than contrived theatrics. Well done!

Cooper-Novack's short drama is a kaleidoscope: It's a constantly shifting portrait of the concepts of power and powerlessness, of being "important" and being "everyday," all through the lenses of contemporary times and ancient history.

This is a beautifully constructed piece - the characters are fascinating, and the reader/audience gets little hints about what's going on and why all the way up to the last page. It has great roles for two mature women, and those roles are powerful and commanding. "Once I Was a Kingdom" is timely and creative - check it out!

Super interesting take on politics today - surprising world with interesting and engaging characters. Asks some important and timely questions of the characters and of the audience. Evocative and relevant!

A really interesting take on a historical play. The power dynamics of this play are brutal, and cut so deeply at what is happening in our country right now; particularly how people in power too often only give when it is to their advantage, instead of caring about doing something that's right or good.

Atmospheric and lyrical, Cooper-Novack's play invites a close reading, as the characters envelope you in this layered mystery/thriller. Tense yet poetic, there's a dance-like quality to the words, as both women face off, armed with clear objectives, that may or may not be fulfilled. This play takes the concept of writing women back into history in such an intriguing and contemporary direction, asking how those living in the ancient past might react and relate to the now.

By page two I was enveloped in the mystery of this piece. It's poetry carried me through the rest. Gemma has created a fascinating character in the psychic, Zeynab. One whose vision goes far beyond the past lives of those who seek her out, burrowing into the psyche of the one who stands before her.