Righteous Among Us

by Amy Tofte

A researcher at a civil rights museum collects oral histories from the ancestors of those who saved Jews during the Holocaust. She also collects the stories of those who were saved. But when she uncovers that one hero family’s legend is a lie, she must not only break the news to all involved and shatter the myth but also come to terms with her own need to find heroes and good intentions among regular people.

A researcher at a civil rights museum collects oral histories from the ancestors of those who saved Jews during the Holocaust. She also collects the stories of those who were saved. But when she uncovers that one hero family’s legend is a lie, she must not only break the news to all involved and shatter the myth but also come to terms with her own need to find heroes and good intentions among regular people.

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Righteous Among Us

Recommended by

  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: Righteous Among Us by Amy Tofte
    “

    Excellent work! Plumbing the depths of family mythologies, Tofte crafts a play that - though limited to a cast of 3 - has enormous scope and consequences. Thrilling to see what is possible on stage, so producible and yet so complex. Wonderful work!

    Excellent work! Plumbing the depths of family mythologies, Tofte crafts a play that - though limited to a cast of 3 - has enormous scope and consequences. Thrilling to see what is possible on stage, so producible and yet so complex. Wonderful work!

    ”
  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Righteous Among Us by Amy Tofte
    “

    Amy Tofte’s “Righteous Among Us” raises tough questions about state violence, whether that of Nazis or American law enforcement. The story focuses on Mila Stevens, a young black volunteer at a civil rights center. In scenes that alternate between Mila’s interviews with subjects of a planned Holocaust exhibition and Mila’s monologues, the play delves into reckonings with secrets and lies. With consummate skill, Tofte interweaves multiple family stories and historical settings and throws an emotional wallop. One of the Depot’s actors described her participation “as an honor.” An important play...

    Amy Tofte’s “Righteous Among Us” raises tough questions about state violence, whether that of Nazis or American law enforcement. The story focuses on Mila Stevens, a young black volunteer at a civil rights center. In scenes that alternate between Mila’s interviews with subjects of a planned Holocaust exhibition and Mila’s monologues, the play delves into reckonings with secrets and lies. With consummate skill, Tofte interweaves multiple family stories and historical settings and throws an emotional wallop. One of the Depot’s actors described her participation “as an honor.” An important play. Strongly recommended.

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    ”
  • Samantha Marchant: Righteous Among Us by Amy Tofte
    “

    This script expertly probes and invites us all to self-examine. You will leave this play full of thoughts on history, truth and what stories are told.

    This script expertly probes and invites us all to self-examine. You will leave this play full of thoughts on history, truth and what stories are told.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

MILA STEVENS (F, 30s) an African-American woman who can hold her own in any tough situation but is generally peaceful and truth-seeking in practice; volunteers/works at a civil rights museum and research center

NATALIE CARLTON (F, 40s) a woman with Polish ancestry; unaware of her micro- aggressions toward those not like her but is overly worried about how she is perceived and judged by others; desperately needs to be well-regarded

RUTHIE BERGEN (F, 50s) a woman with Jewish ancestry; kind, forgiving and motherly towards others, no matter what they’ve done; daughter of a Holocaust survivor and staunch advocate that the world never allows such injustice ever again
  • Mila Stevens
    30
    African American / Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ruthie Bergen
    50s
    White/Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Natalie Carlton
    40s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Coalescence Theatre Project, 2020
  • Reading, Actor's Co-Op Theatre Company, 2019

Awards

  • Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • New American Voices Playwriting Festival
    The Landing Theatre Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • Todd McNerney National Playwriting Award
    College of Charleston
    Winner
    2020
  • Woodward/Newman Drama Award
    Finalist
    2020
  • Athena Project Plays In Progress
    Athena Project
    Finalist
    2020