Convent of Pleasure

by Heather Meyer

A wealthy heiress rejects society’s pressure to take a husband by building a cloistered utopia for unmarried women. She and the women vow to live new lives according to the heiress’s own “principles of pleasure.” Whoever said money can’t buy happiness, didn’t have enough money to try.

This is a new adaptation of the 1668 play by Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle.

A wealthy heiress rejects society’s pressure to take a husband by building a cloistered utopia for unmarried women. She and the women vow to live new lives according to the heiress’s own “principles of pleasure.” Whoever said money can’t buy happiness, didn’t have enough money to try.

This is a new adaptation of the 1668 play by Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle.

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Convent of Pleasure

Recommended by

  • Rachel Teagle: Convent of Pleasure by Heather Meyer
    “

    A frothy, witty romp that's fun for actors and audience. I saw the 2021 Theatre Pro Rata production and was delighted by the wordplay and big, broad performances. A fascinating peek into an almost forgotten corner of the 17th century, this would be a great choice for theaters wanting to do a classical comedy that works for modern audiences.

    A frothy, witty romp that's fun for actors and audience. I saw the 2021 Theatre Pro Rata production and was delighted by the wordplay and big, broad performances. A fascinating peek into an almost forgotten corner of the 17th century, this would be a great choice for theaters wanting to do a classical comedy that works for modern audiences.

    ”

Character Information

6 or 9-female identified, non-binary or gender non-conforming comedic performers.

There are three main characters: Lady Happy, Princess Principle and Madam Mediator

Double casting:
Lord Somewhat/Lady Amend
Lord Soso/Lady Amuse
Lord Sortof/Lady Amorous
  • Lady Happy
    Lady Happy: Wealthy, unmarried woman. She lives life by her own rules and expects others to follow them as well. Lively, vivacious, extroverted, witty if unlearned in administrative duties.
    30-40s
    Any
    Character identifies as female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Principle
    Princess Principle: An unmarried woman who is a princess in name rather than rank. She dedicates herself to full commitment in everything she does and disapproves of those who take path of least resistance. Princess pursues her goals even though she's the hot gossip of town.

    30-50s
    Any
    Character identifies as female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Madam Mediator
    Madam Mediator: Head of household, mistress of money and abbess of accounts for Lady Happy. She’s long suffering and meticulous in small details and often overlooks large infractions.
    40-70+
    Any
    Character identifies as female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Lord Soso/Lady Amuse
    These roles are played by the same actor. Lord Soso is the over confident middleman of the chorus of three hyper heighten masculine characters. Lady Amuse is part of the three townswomen also is a heightened character but more grounded that Lord Soso.
    Any age
    Any
    Anything but male.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Lord Somewhat/Lady Amend
    These roles are played by the same actor. Lord Somewhat is the over confident leader of the chorus of three hyper heighten masculine characters. Lady Amend is part of the three townswomen also a heighten character but more grounded that Lord Somewhat.
    Any age
    Any
    Anything but male.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Lord Sortof/Lady Amorous
    These roles are played by the same actor. Lord Sortof is the least confident of the chorus of three hyper-heighten masculine characters. Lady Amorous is part of the three townswomen also a heighten character but more grounded than Lord Sortof
    Any Age
    Any
    Any gender but male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Theatre Pro Rata, 2019

Production History

  • Professional, Theatre Pro Rata, 2021