Marginalia

by Katherine Gwynn

A medieval scriptorium in the 14th century. A mystic with holy visions who wants to read Sappho. A boy with a secret who wants to make books. Two monks who spend their days among words but can't seem to talk straight to one another . A wealthy widow who wants to build something that outlasts her. And an Abbott who likes to kneel.

A play about faith as an act of creation, creation as an act of faith, and...

A medieval scriptorium in the 14th century. A mystic with holy visions who wants to read Sappho. A boy with a secret who wants to make books. Two monks who spend their days among words but can't seem to talk straight to one another . A wealthy widow who wants to build something that outlasts her. And an Abbott who likes to kneel.

A play about faith as an act of creation, creation as an act of faith, and building the life you want out of the margins.

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Marginalia

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Marginalia by Katherine Gwynn
    “

    A stunning play about desire and giving in to the wonders God has created in this world. Great roles for trans actors and actors of color. I'd love to see this play fully produced one day. The margins and their potential for stage magic left me so excited.

    A stunning play about desire and giving in to the wonders God has created in this world. Great roles for trans actors and actors of color. I'd love to see this play fully produced one day. The margins and their potential for stage magic left me so excited.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Marginalia by Katherine Gwynn
    “

    A marvelous story discovering the beauty of faith and its relation to creation along the journey of life. Well done!

    A marvelous story discovering the beauty of faith and its relation to creation along the journey of life. Well done!

    ”
  • David Hansen: Marginalia by Katherine Gwynn
    “

    WIth this script, Gwynn celebrates passion; passion for books, passion for reading, passion for writing, and passion for passion. She has created a lively little abbey, peopled with charming characters, each seeking their own garden of earthly delights. If only the world were more like this Benedictine cloister. It is a captivating play, one which I would love to see produced. Highly recommended!

    WIth this script, Gwynn celebrates passion; passion for books, passion for reading, passion for writing, and passion for passion. She has created a lively little abbey, peopled with charming characters, each seeking their own garden of earthly delights. If only the world were more like this Benedictine cloister. It is a captivating play, one which I would love to see produced. Highly recommended!

    ”

Character Information

AALIS: An oblate given to the monastery who has had visions since she was a child. She/hers (for now).
ADAM: a monk who has just joined the monastery. He/His.
FREDERIC: the Abbott of the Monastery. He/His.
PHILOMENA: A widowed wealthy woman of nobility, who is a benefactor to the monastery. She/hers.
WILMOT: a monk and illuminator in the scriptorium. He/His.
SERAFINO: a monk and transcriber in the scriptorium. He/His.
  • AALIS
    An oblate given to the monastery who has had visions since she was a child. She/hers.
    16
    Any
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • ADAM
    a monk who has just joined the monastery. He/His. Must be played by a trans man/trans-masculine actor.
    16
    Any
    Trans man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • PHILOMENA
    A widowed wealthy woman of nobility, who is a benefactor to the monastery. She/hers.
    40s-50s
    Jewish
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • SERAFINO
    a monk and transcriber in the scriptorium. He/His.
    30s-40s
    Any
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • WILMOTT
    a monk and illuminator in the scriptorium. He/His.
    30s-40s
    Any
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • FREDERIC
    the Abbott of the Monastery. He/His.
    40s-50s
    White
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary

Awards

  • Trans History Project
    Baltimore Center Stage
    Semi-Finalist
    2025