She Tunes the Violin: The Life of Martha Jefferson

by Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend

FULL LENGTH. Written for 365 Women a Year, "She Tunes the Violin" follows Martha Jefferson and those closest to her from her first marriage at age 18 to her death at 33, as she struggles to find her way and her power in a society built by and for white men.

FULL LENGTH. Written for 365 Women a Year, "She Tunes the Violin" follows Martha Jefferson and those closest to her from her first marriage at age 18 to her death at 33, as she struggles to find her way and her power in a society built by and for white men.

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She Tunes the Violin: The Life of Martha Jefferson

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  • Donna Gordon: She Tunes the Violin: The Life of Martha Jefferson

    Ms.Feriend captures Jefferson's times so well. Through her very well written lines, she shows the characters in a very realistic light. I believe this is probably how they acted in the midst of the revolution and Mrs. Jefferson's gradual decline. She doesn't exaggerate to idolize these characters. She also shows slavery very plainly to be unacceptable in any age.This is a successfully modern look at the Jefferson household.

    Ms.Feriend captures Jefferson's times so well. Through her very well written lines, she shows the characters in a very realistic light. I believe this is probably how they acted in the midst of the revolution and Mrs. Jefferson's gradual decline. She doesn't exaggerate to idolize these characters. She also shows slavery very plainly to be unacceptable in any age.This is a successfully modern look at the Jefferson household.

  • Tom Erb: She Tunes the Violin: The Life of Martha Jefferson

    "SHE TUNES THE VIOLIN: The Life of Martha Jefferson" by Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend is a powerful historical drama that intricately portrays Martha Jefferson's life. The play skillfully explores her struggles with health, motherhood, and the complexities of being Thomas Jefferson's wife during the American Revolution. Feriend's dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the emotional intensity of Martha's relationships, particularly with Betty Hemings. The play's fast-paced dialogue and shifting settings require versatile staging, adding depth to the narrative. This evocative production offers a...

    "SHE TUNES THE VIOLIN: The Life of Martha Jefferson" by Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend is a powerful historical drama that intricately portrays Martha Jefferson's life. The play skillfully explores her struggles with health, motherhood, and the complexities of being Thomas Jefferson's wife during the American Revolution. Feriend's dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the emotional intensity of Martha's relationships, particularly with Betty Hemings. The play's fast-paced dialogue and shifting settings require versatile staging, adding depth to the narrative. This evocative production offers a profound look at the personal sacrifices behind historical figures, making it compelling and unforgettable. A must read.

  • Donald E. Baker: She Tunes the Violin: The Life of Martha Jefferson

    If all you know of Martha Jefferson is Betty Buckley's soaring voice singing "He Plays the Violin" in the musical "1776," then you must read this play. She was a complicated woman married to a complicated man amid a myriad of complicated relationships--husband and wife, master and slave, husband and slave mistress, wife and husband's slave mistress, mother and daughter, mother and too many deceased children. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend breathes real life into people we encounter only as white marble statues, and other people we rarely encounter at all. It is a rich and rewarding--and yes...

    If all you know of Martha Jefferson is Betty Buckley's soaring voice singing "He Plays the Violin" in the musical "1776," then you must read this play. She was a complicated woman married to a complicated man amid a myriad of complicated relationships--husband and wife, master and slave, husband and slave mistress, wife and husband's slave mistress, mother and daughter, mother and too many deceased children. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend breathes real life into people we encounter only as white marble statues, and other people we rarely encounter at all. It is a rich and rewarding--and yes, complicated--play.

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Character Information

As written, one actor doubles as John Wayles, John Adams, a Redcoat, and the voice of Captain John Hemings, though they can be split into four small roles if desired.
  • Martha Jefferson
    Character Age
    late 20s/early 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Thomas Jefferson
    Martha Jefferson's husband
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Martha Eppes Wayles
    Martha Jefferson's deceased mother; only Martha can see her
    Character Age
    27
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Betty Hemings
    The daughter of an enslaved African woman and a white British sea captain, Betty belongs to John Wayles and is the woman who raised Martha
    Character Age
    late 40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Biracial – Black & White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Jupiter Evans
    Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved personal valet
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Sally Hemings
    The daughter of Betty Hemings and John Wayles
    Character Age
    teens
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Biracial – Black & White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • John Wayles
    Martha Jefferson's father
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • John Adams
    Congressional delegate from Massachusetts
    Character Age
    40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Redcoat
    Soldier of the British Army
    Character Age
    40s/50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Captain John Hemings
    Betty Hemings's father; only heard in voice over, never seen on stage
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Break A Leg Productions, Year 2021
  • Type Workshop, Organization Saint Sebastian Players, Year 2020

Production History

Awards

  • Historically Speaking Reading Series
    Break A Leg Productions
    Selection
    2021