Sophia Brahe (and her brother, Tycho)

by Zach Barr

FULL LENGTH
Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is on the verge of upending the entire study of astronomy, with a revolutionary new way to organize the solar system. Meanwhile, Sophia Brahe, his younger sister, is attempting to do the same – without being able to go to university. Or learn Latin. Or travel without a husband.

Over the course of their parallel careers, the relationship between the siblings twists and...

FULL LENGTH
Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is on the verge of upending the entire study of astronomy, with a revolutionary new way to organize the solar system. Meanwhile, Sophia Brahe, his younger sister, is attempting to do the same – without being able to go to university. Or learn Latin. Or travel without a husband.

Over the course of their parallel careers, the relationship between the siblings twists and strains, as they wrestle with financial uncertainty, romantic entanglement, and an orphaned, wandering elk. The bond between siblings is strong, but will it hold as Sophia watches her brother succeed in all the places she's failed?

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Sophia Brahe (and her brother, Tycho)

Recommended by

  • Matthew Moore: Sophia Brahe (and her brother, Tycho) by Zach Barr
    “

    As someone fascinated with Brahe, I've attempted to write about him many times only to fail each time, finally deciding there was no logical, theatrical way in. Barr has proved me wrong with this dazzling and buoyant look at Brahe and his sister that balances an anachronistic tone perfectly with moments that feel like the best of Stoppard. A two-hander that gives each character agency and urgency, it's a joyous piece of work that, yes, Brahe would have had qualms with, but perhaps his sister wouldn't.

    As someone fascinated with Brahe, I've attempted to write about him many times only to fail each time, finally deciding there was no logical, theatrical way in. Barr has proved me wrong with this dazzling and buoyant look at Brahe and his sister that balances an anachronistic tone perfectly with moments that feel like the best of Stoppard. A two-hander that gives each character agency and urgency, it's a joyous piece of work that, yes, Brahe would have had qualms with, but perhaps his sister wouldn't.

    ”

Character Information

  • SOPHIA BRAHE
    An astronomer. A romantic, more for ideas and research than for people. Believes scientific discovery is worthy for its own sake.
    10-87
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • TYCHO BRAHE
    An astronomer, and relatively successful at it. Believes in the necessity of developing theories from raw data, but can never do so himself. The recipient of considerable privilege he hasn't reckoned with. Yet.
    20-55
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Workshop, Victory Gardens (class with Calamity West), 2019