INFERNA

by Joanna Castle-Miller

As a young playwright (Joanna Castle Miller) balances the childhood expectations of religion and theatre, she comes to realize the mentors she adores aren't who they appear to be, and neither are the scripts they've passed down to her. INFERNA is a funny, dark, but ultimately hopeful play that explores hell, abuse, complicity, and the absurd comedy of being a child.

As a young playwright (Joanna Castle Miller) balances the childhood expectations of religion and theatre, she comes to realize the mentors she adores aren't who they appear to be, and neither are the scripts they've passed down to her. INFERNA is a funny, dark, but ultimately hopeful play that explores hell, abuse, complicity, and the absurd comedy of being a child.

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INFERNA

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: INFERNA by Joanna Castle-Miller
    “

    A courageous and moving piece of art. Miller brilliantly tells a story that so many of us need to hear.

    A courageous and moving piece of art. Miller brilliantly tells a story that so many of us need to hear.

    ”
  • Brynn Hambley: INFERNA by Joanna Castle-Miller
    “

    A beautiful piece that demonstrates how evangelical Christianity as well as patriarchal theatrical spaces can be hotbeds of abuse, without going down the doom and gloom route. This feminist work has such a consistent message of hope in the face of a world that often tells anyone who isn't a cis white man to sit down and shut up. INFERNA is a great example of impactful autobiographical work, and shows that not all one-person shows have to only have one actor! I would love to see this on stage one day.

    A beautiful piece that demonstrates how evangelical Christianity as well as patriarchal theatrical spaces can be hotbeds of abuse, without going down the doom and gloom route. This feminist work has such a consistent message of hope in the face of a world that often tells anyone who isn't a cis white man to sit down and shut up. INFERNA is a great example of impactful autobiographical work, and shows that not all one-person shows have to only have one actor! I would love to see this on stage one day.

    ”
  • Ali Keller: INFERNA by Joanna Castle-Miller
    “

    INFERNA is a beautiful and moving show that illustrates the similarities and differences between religion and theater - and examines why abuse and victimization can be so prevalent in both.

    It manages to navigate heavy topics with humor and heart so you leave feeling hopeful despite the harsh truths and realities in this piece. I can't recommend it enough.

    If you like one person shows, you'll like this piece. If you hate one person shows, you'll like this piece. It's that good.

    INFERNA is a beautiful and moving show that illustrates the similarities and differences between religion and theater - and examines why abuse and victimization can be so prevalent in both.

    It manages to navigate heavy topics with humor and heart so you leave feeling hopeful despite the harsh truths and realities in this piece. I can't recommend it enough.

    If you like one person shows, you'll like this piece. If you hate one person shows, you'll like this piece. It's that good.

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, The Tank, 2024
  • Workshop, Valdez Theatre Conference, 2024
  • Reading, Valdez Theatre Conference, 2022
  • Residency, New York Stage and Film, 2021