The Storehouse

by Joanna Castle-Miller

Attempting to become the first fugitive enslaved woman to publish her story by her own hand, Harriet Jacobs approaches the world-famous Uncle Tom's Cabin author Harriet Beecher Stowe for her help, and the result alters both of their lives and legacies forever. This play explores the structural forces that prevent people from telling their own stories and what is required of writers who create from a place of...

Attempting to become the first fugitive enslaved woman to publish her story by her own hand, Harriet Jacobs approaches the world-famous Uncle Tom's Cabin author Harriet Beecher Stowe for her help, and the result alters both of their lives and legacies forever. This play explores the structural forces that prevent people from telling their own stories and what is required of writers who create from a place of privilege.

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The Storehouse

Recommended by

  • Lojo Simon: The Storehouse

    Did a reading of this piece for Women's History Month, and it was very well received. Most audience members did not know the history, and everyone was captivated. The playwright makes the story accessible and relevant -- in fact, it works even better aloud than on the page. Recommended for educational, community and professional theatres that want to highlight female playwrights and women's contribution to the American literary canon.

    Did a reading of this piece for Women's History Month, and it was very well received. Most audience members did not know the history, and everyone was captivated. The playwright makes the story accessible and relevant -- in fact, it works even better aloud than on the page. Recommended for educational, community and professional theatres that want to highlight female playwrights and women's contribution to the American literary canon.

Character Information

Two women (one black, one white) doubling as three men. Age can range anywhere from 30s-60s, but the actors should appear to be the same age.
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe (STOWE)
    A writer. High-energy, easily distracted. Should appear to be the same age as actor playing Jacobs.
    Character Age
    30s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Harriet Jacobs (JACOBS)
    A writer. Passionate, focused. Should appear to be the same age as actor playing Stowe.
    Character Age
    30s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Bare Bones Theatre, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization Last Frontier Theatre Conference, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Anchorage Community Theatre (Juneteenth Event), Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization Lab Twenty6, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Gallery 40, Year 2024
  • Type Professional, Organization Perisphere Theatre, Year 2023