Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

by Dianne Nora

Through a series of scenes between a woman--let's call her Monica--and different imagined lovers, this play asks what the cost of intimacy is, how we reckon with our past selves, and what we talk about when we talk about Other Women.

Through a series of scenes between a woman--let's call her Monica--and different imagined lovers, this play asks what the cost of intimacy is, how we reckon with our past selves, and what we talk about when we talk about Other Women.

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Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

    I need to see this play produced. A play about a woman that people think they know. Love how this play travels through time to important moments in Monica's life with romantic and sexual partners. Monica is a killer role for any actress. Seriously, PRODUCE THIS PLAY NOW!!!!1

    I need to see this play produced. A play about a woman that people think they know. Love how this play travels through time to important moments in Monica's life with romantic and sexual partners. Monica is a killer role for any actress. Seriously, PRODUCE THIS PLAY NOW!!!!1

  • Morey Norkin: Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

    This may not be that Monica, but she could be any woman who achieves a certain level of public fame or notoriety where her sexuality or relationships define her more than her own accomplishments. The structure of this play, the brilliant dialogue, the depth of character combine for an amazing, emotional roller coaster. I’m officially a Dianne Nora fan!

    This may not be that Monica, but she could be any woman who achieves a certain level of public fame or notoriety where her sexuality or relationships define her more than her own accomplishments. The structure of this play, the brilliant dialogue, the depth of character combine for an amazing, emotional roller coaster. I’m officially a Dianne Nora fan!

  • Shelby Seeley: Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

    I loved it!

    I loved it!

View all 19 recommendations

Character Information

While the play draws some events from the life of Monica Lewinsky, the events portrayed are entirely fictional. The character Monica is new, and should be explored as a new character. Productions are encouraged to cast actors who do not resemble Ms. Lewinsky, and the actor playing Monica should not attempt to do an impression of Ms. Lewinsky's physicality or voice. If the production is interested in doubling, the roles of The Woman and The Lover can be played by the same actor, as can the roles of The Expat and The Yuppy. All efforts should be undertaken to assemble a cast that is racially diverse, and the inclusion of actors with disabilities is strongly encouraged.
  • Monica
    Character Age
    17-45
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Sam
    Character Age
    40s-50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • The Youth
    Character Age
    17-28
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • The Yuppy
    Should the production be interested in doubling, this role can be played by the same actor who plays The Expat.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • The Expat
    Should the production be interested in doubling, this character can be played by the actor who plays The Yuppy.
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • The Woman
    Should the production be interested in doubling, this role can be played by the actor who plays The Lover.
    Character Age
    40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • The Lover
    Should the production be interested in doubling, this role can be played by the actor who plays The Woman.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Normal Ave Theatre Company, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization The Blank Theatre Living Room Series, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Chicago New Work Festival, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Chicago Dramatists, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Playwrights Horizons Downtown, Year 2017

Production History

  • Type Workshop, Organization The Theatre School at Depaul University, Year 2023
  • Type Fringe, Organization Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Year 2019

Awards

  • Chicago New Work Festival
    Three Cat Theatre
    Selection
    2018
  • Normal Ave NAPSeries New Play Festival
    Normal Ave
    Selection
    2019
  • Artemisia Fall Fest
    Artemisia Theatre
    Finalist
    2019
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2018