BANSHEE

by Adam Richter

(FULL-LENGTH PLAY)
New draft uploaded May 11, 2026.

Banshee” tells the story of Nancy Donough, a farmer in 18th-century Ireland who dreams of greatness. Instead, she is haunted by the call of a supernatural spirit that echoes through the generations, and a vision that could have deadly consequences.

“Banshee” is a story about ambition, fate and what we inherit from our ancestors.

Written as part of the 2023...

(FULL-LENGTH PLAY)
New draft uploaded May 11, 2026.

Banshee” tells the story of Nancy Donough, a farmer in 18th-century Ireland who dreams of greatness. Instead, she is haunted by the call of a supernatural spirit that echoes through the generations, and a vision that could have deadly consequences.

“Banshee” is a story about ambition, fate and what we inherit from our ancestors.

Written as part of the 2023 28 Plays Later challenge: Write a play in the Japanese Noh style.

(Previous Titles: "Why The Banshee Wails", "Granny Nancy")

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BANSHEE

Recommended by

  • Peter Fenton: BANSHEE by Adam Richter
    “

    It is difficult to accomplish what Richter has with BANSHEE. This play spans centuries of family history, the consequences of one ancestor's decisions leading to generations of mystery and trauma inherited by a contemporary descendant who may or may not live to break the cycle... and it's incredibly producible. I saw the world premiere at Reading Theater Project and this odyssey was expertly staged with very much less set and tech than one might expect. Please read this, and stage it again ASAP!

    It is difficult to accomplish what Richter has with BANSHEE. This play spans centuries of family history, the consequences of one ancestor's decisions leading to generations of mystery and trauma inherited by a contemporary descendant who may or may not live to break the cycle... and it's incredibly producible. I saw the world premiere at Reading Theater Project and this odyssey was expertly staged with very much less set and tech than one might expect. Please read this, and stage it again ASAP!

    ”
  • Jack Levine: BANSHEE by Adam Richter
    “

    I was truly mesmerized by this wonderful full-length play. In life, we may be haunted by our own actions, but we may also have to endure the ‘inheritance’ of the actions of our ancestors. Are there curses to be overcome, or are these more an unforgivable fate we must endure? ADAM RICHTER brilliantly conjures a tale (or, is it a fable?) of what must be true, no matter what we think, say, or do. “Banshee” is truly a play that needs to be performed. BRAVO!

    I was truly mesmerized by this wonderful full-length play. In life, we may be haunted by our own actions, but we may also have to endure the ‘inheritance’ of the actions of our ancestors. Are there curses to be overcome, or are these more an unforgivable fate we must endure? ADAM RICHTER brilliantly conjures a tale (or, is it a fable?) of what must be true, no matter what we think, say, or do. “Banshee” is truly a play that needs to be performed. BRAVO!

    ”
  • Aly Kantor: BANSHEE by Adam Richter
    “

    This is an eerie, thought-provoking, incredibly captivating play! From the dueling-timelines structure to the atmospheric supernatural elements, this piece never slows down and always keeps you guessing and hoping - despite the themes telegraphing where the story would go! I LOVE the clever intersection of mythology, history, and mental health, which always felt cohesive. There's plenty for designers to sink their teeth into, too. Ultimately, this is a stunningly woven, gorgeously haunting play!

    This is an eerie, thought-provoking, incredibly captivating play! From the dueling-timelines structure to the atmospheric supernatural elements, this piece never slows down and always keeps you guessing and hoping - despite the themes telegraphing where the story would go! I LOVE the clever intersection of mythology, history, and mental health, which always felt cohesive. There's plenty for designers to sink their teeth into, too. Ultimately, this is a stunningly woven, gorgeously haunting play!

    ”
View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

O'BRIEN/HUGH can be played by the same actor.
MACBRIDE/JAMES can be played by the same actor.
CATHLEEN/BANSHEE can be played by the same actor, except for 1 scene, where the actor playing NANCY can portray the BANSHEE.

NOTE: Even though most of the characters are Irish, the actors can be of any race or ethnicity. The exception is MARCIA, who is a Black woman and must be played by one.

Diversity in casting is expected.
  • Nancy Donough
    Nancy Donough is a farmer in 18th-century Ireland. This fact does not mean that the actor portraying her has to be Irish, or even northern European. Any race/ethnicity should be considered for the role.
    early 20s at the start of the play; 60s by the end
    Any
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Father MacBride
    Father MacBride is a priest in 18th-century Ireland. But that does not mean he must be played by an actor of Irish, or even European, descent. Any race/ethnicity should be considered for the role.
    40s to 60s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Marcia
    Marcia must be played by a Black woman.
    27-38
    African American/Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Reading Theater Project, 2024
  • Reading, Playwrights Thriving, 2023

Production History

  • Professional, Reading Theater Project, 2026