The Evolution of Rattlesnakes

by Jean Egdorf

Rattlesnakes are evolving to lose their rattles. Man has spent so long wiping out the ones that make noise, it’s become a better defense mechanism to remain silent. Denni Erwine is arrested for the murder of the Drybrook County Sheriff. According to their statements, she only struck back against the Sheriff in defense of her neighbor, Louisa Trelawney, but there is more coiled up in the case than either woman is...

Rattlesnakes are evolving to lose their rattles. Man has spent so long wiping out the ones that make noise, it’s become a better defense mechanism to remain silent. Denni Erwine is arrested for the murder of the Drybrook County Sheriff. According to their statements, she only struck back against the Sheriff in defense of her neighbor, Louisa Trelawney, but there is more coiled up in the case than either woman is willing to say. To prevent it from striking more than once, is there only one way to deal with a venomous snake?

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The Evolution of Rattlesnakes

Recommended by

  • Jordan Ramirez Puckett: The Evolution of Rattlesnakes by Jean Egdorf
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play at the Seabury Quinn Jr. Playwrights’ Festival. Egdorf has created a rich landscape with likeable characters facing morally complicated dilemmas. There are no easy answers in this play and the final scene will stay with me for a long time. I would love to see a full production of this play.

    I had the pleasure of seeing this play at the Seabury Quinn Jr. Playwrights’ Festival. Egdorf has created a rich landscape with likeable characters facing morally complicated dilemmas. There are no easy answers in this play and the final scene will stay with me for a long time. I would love to see a full production of this play.

    ”
  • Katherine Varga: The Evolution of Rattlesnakes by Jean Egdorf
    “

    Through evocative language and rich characterization, Egdorf grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the final reveal. This play masterfully captures the dynamics of small town life, the pervasive danger of insidious men, and the power of women who demand the most from life for themselves and for each other. It has forever changed how I think about rattlesnakes.

    Through evocative language and rich characterization, Egdorf grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the final reveal. This play masterfully captures the dynamics of small town life, the pervasive danger of insidious men, and the power of women who demand the most from life for themselves and for each other. It has forever changed how I think about rattlesnakes.

    ”
  • Skye Robinson Hillis: The Evolution of Rattlesnakes by Jean Egdorf
    “

    A moving story about sacrifice, small towns, female friendship, and taking your life back into your own hands. Egdorf has written beautifully drawn characters in a harrowing situation, and the ending will stay with you for a good while to come.

    A moving story about sacrifice, small towns, female friendship, and taking your life back into your own hands. Egdorf has written beautifully drawn characters in a harrowing situation, and the ending will stay with you for a good while to come.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

The Offstage Voice of Frank Trelawney, Louisa's husband, is heard in the play and may be played by the same actor as Mark.
  • Denni Erwine-Bower
    A former, small town beauty-queen; moves in next door to Louisa after her house and husband are lost to a fire.
    mid-30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Louisa Trelawney
    Intended to finish her degree to become a herpetologist, but had to drop out of college. Her husband, Frank, runs Animal Control in Drybrook County, but she's always been the smarter one when it comes to animals.
    early-30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Corinne Carr
    A prosecuting attorney working for the DA
    early-30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Mark Winsomer
    Defense attorney. Returned home to take over his father's local law firm.
    early-30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Carl Hawkins
    Drybrook County Sheriff
    40s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival, Ohio University, 2019