Penelope: A Lesson in Drowning

by Baylee Shlichtman

*UPDATED 5/30/24*

Autistic Princess Penelope of Sparta has put off marriage for years by having her suitors challenge her father to a foot race she's rigged to ensure they'll never win. Self-proclaimed scoundrel Odysseus of Ithaca is sure he'll be the one to succeed by making Penelope fall so madly in love with him that she'll reveal the secret to winning. But Penelope won't be won over so easily, not when...

*UPDATED 5/30/24*

Autistic Princess Penelope of Sparta has put off marriage for years by having her suitors challenge her father to a foot race she's rigged to ensure they'll never win. Self-proclaimed scoundrel Odysseus of Ithaca is sure he'll be the one to succeed by making Penelope fall so madly in love with him that she'll reveal the secret to winning. But Penelope won't be won over so easily, not when getting married comes with the complete upheaval of the life she has worked so hard to order. A Greek Myth retelling/romcom about daddy issues, drowning, and occasionally awful disguises.

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Penelope: A Lesson in Drowning

Recommended by

  • Paul Donnelly: Penelope: A Lesson in Drowning

    How refreshing to find the re-imaging a Greek myth centered on a female protagonist. Penelope has unexpected agency and the narrative is focused on her choice. The journey to her choice is rendered comically, punctuated with resonant journeys to and immersion in the river she fears. Both the mystical and comic elements are portrayed sublimely.

    How refreshing to find the re-imaging a Greek myth centered on a female protagonist. Penelope has unexpected agency and the narrative is focused on her choice. The journey to her choice is rendered comically, punctuated with resonant journeys to and immersion in the river she fears. Both the mystical and comic elements are portrayed sublimely.

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: Penelope: A Lesson in Drowning

    The legends of Greece are classic tales, some more well known that others but in this case Baylee has provided a whole new perspective and delightful twist to it. Something I loved about this piece was the stage directions allows for the director, producer and performers to consider how they want the to explore and represent the entertaining, emotive and poetic actions of the characters. Its a wonderful re-invention of a classic that will take draw you back to ancient times.

    The legends of Greece are classic tales, some more well known that others but in this case Baylee has provided a whole new perspective and delightful twist to it. Something I loved about this piece was the stage directions allows for the director, producer and performers to consider how they want the to explore and represent the entertaining, emotive and poetic actions of the characters. Its a wonderful re-invention of a classic that will take draw you back to ancient times.

  • Dawn Branch: Penelope: A Lesson in Drowning

    Penelope has built a wall around her emotions, something that so many of us can relate to. With the arrival of Odysseus, the wall slowly, and reluctantly, starts to come down. The rapport that develops between Penelope and Odysseus is really delightful to watch. This play is a beautiful depiction of vulnerability with a very theatrical backdrop of water illustrating emotions Penelope may or may not be able to articulate.

    Penelope has built a wall around her emotions, something that so many of us can relate to. With the arrival of Odysseus, the wall slowly, and reluctantly, starts to come down. The rapport that develops between Penelope and Odysseus is really delightful to watch. This play is a beautiful depiction of vulnerability with a very theatrical backdrop of water illustrating emotions Penelope may or may not be able to articulate.

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Note: PENELOPE should be played by an autistic actor. HELEN should be played by a woman or femme of color. The most beautiful woman in the world should not be defined by white beauty standards. Diverse casting is encouraged.
  • PENELOPE
    Princess of Sparta, half mortal, half river (nymph). Focal character. Sharp, quiet, keeps to herself. Despite the tricks she uses to keep her suitors at bay, she is honest. Weaving is her special interest. Early to mid 20s.
    Character Age
    Early to mid 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    woman
  • ODYSSEUS
    Prince of Ithaca, PENELOPE’s suitor. Flirty, resourceful, arrogant. Has a soft side he very much doesn’t want you to know about.
    Character Age
    Mid to late 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    Man
  • ICARIUS
    Prince of Sparta, PENELOPE’s father. Full of himself, insecure.
    Character Age
    Mid 40s to 50s
    Character Gender Identity
    Man
  • HELEN
    Princess of Sparta, PENELOPE’s cousin. Half-god, more divine than not. Confident, romantic, sometimes cruel, but mostly means well. Early 20s.
    Character Age
    Early 20s
    Character Gender Identity
    woman

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Full Circle Players, Year 2024
  • Type Reading, Organization Elephant Room Productions - Elephant Ears Reading Series, Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Skeleton Rep(resents) - Craft Development Process, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Skeleton Rep(resents) - Craft Development Process, Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Long Beach Shakespeare Company - New Play Festival, Year 2024
  • Type University, Organization UC Irvine, Year 2024

Awards

  • Emerging Voices New Play Festival
    Full Circle Players
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • New Works Festival
    Santa Monica Theatre Guild at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre
    Finalist
    2023