The Juniper

by Brian Quirk

The play is set in the early 80's in Fayeville, a fictional town in Arkansas and is inspired by the Brothers Grimm “The Juniper Tree.” It has Abe, a loving father, his child, Red, a gender nonconforming child … and an evil step-mother, Wren.

Wren is an opportunistic woman who has a gender nonconforming child of her own, a daughter named Lili. Wren makes a pact with the Devil so she and her daughter can live in...

The play is set in the early 80's in Fayeville, a fictional town in Arkansas and is inspired by the Brothers Grimm “The Juniper Tree.” It has Abe, a loving father, his child, Red, a gender nonconforming child … and an evil step-mother, Wren.

Wren is an opportunistic woman who has a gender nonconforming child of her own, a daughter named Lili. Wren makes a pact with the Devil so she and her daughter can live in wealth. Enter Abe and his son, Red, who has the singing voice of an angel, but is a girl born in a boy’s body.

Shame is brought upon Red but they continue to dress in girl's clothes and assert their identity with the encouragement of Lili. The children’s bond is swift, deep, and transformative.

Wren convinces her husband that his son is bringing public shame to the family and, as a pillar of the community and example, Red must be stopped at all cost.

Wren is destructive towards Red however the story transforms into the magical world of full on fairy tale and like the original, the evil step-mother’s plans are spoiled. The family, now a father with two children, lives in their happy home. Wren ends up in hell dancing with the Devil.

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The Juniper

Recommended by

  • Gregory Paul: The Juniper

    A wonderfully imaginative take on the fairy tale. Poetic and dangerous. Comic and touching. It's a play that stands alone and writes it's own rules.

    A wonderfully imaginative take on the fairy tale. Poetic and dangerous. Comic and touching. It's a play that stands alone and writes it's own rules.

Awards

  • semi-finalist
    The O'Neill
    2019
  • Finalist
    The Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    2019