Elephant

by Leah Roth Barsanti

***FULL LENGTH*** In 1927, in an open-air train station in Spain, Phillip gives Jig a choice: have an abortion and marry him, or keep the baby at the expense of the relationship.

This feminist re-imagining of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" explores the two futures associated with Jig's two options. One leads to a future as a wife in America, the other as a mother in Italy... but both leave her...

***FULL LENGTH*** In 1927, in an open-air train station in Spain, Phillip gives Jig a choice: have an abortion and marry him, or keep the baby at the expense of the relationship.

This feminist re-imagining of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" explores the two futures associated with Jig's two options. One leads to a future as a wife in America, the other as a mother in Italy... but both leave her unfulfilled.

Ultimately, this play is about the choices women have, the way we are represented in literature, and our ultimate search for happiness and autonomy. CWs: abortion, attempted suicide/self-harm, substance use

This play is in development and open to development opportunities

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Elephant

Recommended by

  • Melissa Maxwell: Elephant by Leah Roth Barsanti
    “

    ELEPHANT is such a beautifully written, moving story about the complexity of our pursuit of happiness. The play so accurately captures the struggles we humans (but especially women) go through trying 1. to figure out what we want in life, then 2. regretting whatever decision we have made, and 3. ultimately romanticizing the path not chosen, only to torment ourselves with the "what might have beens".

    ELEPHANT is such a beautifully written, moving story about the complexity of our pursuit of happiness. The play so accurately captures the struggles we humans (but especially women) go through trying 1. to figure out what we want in life, then 2. regretting whatever decision we have made, and 3. ultimately romanticizing the path not chosen, only to torment ourselves with the "what might have beens".

    ”
  • Melanie Coffey: Elephant by Leah Roth Barsanti
    “

    Leah's feminist adaptation of Hemingway's short story is a play I keep going back to, to read, think about and be inspired by. A beautifully written and structured play, I found myself writing lines down when reading it, the dialogue is beautiful, and even the stage directions and transitions keep the reader in this poetic and ethereal world. With a complex and controversial plot, Leah does a fantastic job of exploring the different options Jig has, while never romanticizing either. A wonderful play that I can't wait to see produced!

    Leah's feminist adaptation of Hemingway's short story is a play I keep going back to, to read, think about and be inspired by. A beautifully written and structured play, I found myself writing lines down when reading it, the dialogue is beautiful, and even the stage directions and transitions keep the reader in this poetic and ethereal world. With a complex and controversial plot, Leah does a fantastic job of exploring the different options Jig has, while never romanticizing either. A wonderful play that I can't wait to see produced!

    ”

Character Information

  • Jig
    Italian.
    30s
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Phillip
    American.
    30s
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Ellie
    Italian/American.
    Ageless
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Workshop, New Colony Writer's Room (Chicago),
  • Workshop, Red Tape Theatre (working title),

Production History

  • Workshop, Northwestern University, 2024
  • University, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, 2021

Awards