How to Live Forever

by Brandy N Carie

When 1590s midwife Anne links across time with modern-day wellness guru Gwendolyn, they struggle to rewrite a 14th century witch trial that has already reached a verdict. Anne’s protégé Bridget flees to the 21st century to escape persecution following an abortion, but is dismayed to find the present so like the past. Through interweaving narratives spanning continents and centuries, HOW TO LIVE FOREVER depicts...

When 1590s midwife Anne links across time with modern-day wellness guru Gwendolyn, they struggle to rewrite a 14th century witch trial that has already reached a verdict. Anne’s protégé Bridget flees to the 21st century to escape persecution following an abortion, but is dismayed to find the present so like the past. Through interweaving narratives spanning continents and centuries, HOW TO LIVE FOREVER depicts six women as they seek forgotten magic to craft a brighter future.

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How to Live Forever

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  • Claire Waldrop: How to Live Forever by Brandy N Carie
    “

    This is some good goop right here; a witchy, feminist, and electric tale of womanhood. The dry humor and surreal setting combine beautifully to create a piece that immerses the audience in its dream-space. The character of Cassandra especially sticks out as the beautiful, tragic figure that lies at the center of this show's themes. I'd be interested to see this in front of an audience.

    This is some good goop right here; a witchy, feminist, and electric tale of womanhood. The dry humor and surreal setting combine beautifully to create a piece that immerses the audience in its dream-space. The character of Cassandra especially sticks out as the beautiful, tragic figure that lies at the center of this show's themes. I'd be interested to see this in front of an audience.

    ”
ANNE – Any Race. Older. 1590-ish, “Scotland.” A midwife. Some might call her a witch.
GWENDOLYN – White. Younger. Now-ish Los Angeles. A lifestyle brand, an actress who also plays Bishop, Mary Shelley, Samantha, and Reboot Mary Woll
THE PRIESTESS – Any Race. Ageless. A witch. The most powerful person in the world.
BRIDGET – Any Race. Anne’s apprentice. 20s-30s. Young but not at heart.
APPLE – Any Race. Age 10 - 26. Gwendolyn’s daughter. Young in every sense. Searching, but for what?
CASSANDRA - Any Race. Priestess's daughter/apprentice. Young but so tired. Also plays Witch 3.
WITCH 1 - herself, Mary Woll, Actress Playing Mary Woll, Kelly, Padma
WITCH 2 - herself, Director, Male Director, Sibyll, Anchor, Guard
WITCH 3 - herself, Third Assistant Director, Moustache, Reboot Mary Shelley (doubles with Cassandra).
.
.
There may be as many additional witches as you want.
The more the better.
How else are we going to do a spell?

Development History

  • Workshop, James Madison University's Madison New Works Lab, 2023
  • Workshop, Carnegie Mellon University, Thesis Production, 2019