The Sporting Life

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding...

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a "coming of rage" story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.

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The Sporting Life

Recommended by

  • Maxwell Peters: The Sporting Life

    I had the privilege of being part of a workshop reading of *The Sporting Life*, and it has stayed with me ever since. Marjorie Muller has written a play that is fearless, visceral, and deeply compassionate. Blending body horror, folklore, and coming-of-age with remarkable confidence, the play never loses sight of its humanity. It's the kind of theatre that lingers long after you've left the theatre, continuing to ask questions and reveal new layers days later.

    I had the privilege of being part of a workshop reading of *The Sporting Life*, and it has stayed with me ever since. Marjorie Muller has written a play that is fearless, visceral, and deeply compassionate. Blending body horror, folklore, and coming-of-age with remarkable confidence, the play never loses sight of its humanity. It's the kind of theatre that lingers long after you've left the theatre, continuing to ask questions and reveal new layers days later.

  • Kayla Menz: The Sporting Life

    The Sporting Life examines a world where women have been pushed to the limit and become monsters themselves. There is no fear of bloodshed when you bleed every month. What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who betray you? A best friend? A teacher? A parent? Who is there to protect you from yourself and the decisions you will make? This is a relentless, action packed, gasp inducing, hilarious, and vulnerable show and I can't wait to see more theatres produce it!

    The Sporting Life examines a world where women have been pushed to the limit and become monsters themselves. There is no fear of bloodshed when you bleed every month. What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who betray you? A best friend? A teacher? A parent? Who is there to protect you from yourself and the decisions you will make? This is a relentless, action packed, gasp inducing, hilarious, and vulnerable show and I can't wait to see more theatres produce it!

  • Jillian Leff: The Sporting Life

    This play is fierce in all the ways - fiercely funny, fiercely feminist, and fiercely gory. I got to see the world premiere in Chicago and was really impressed. An examination of turning anger into power, and when it goes to far. Also of how many ways to kill awful men. I was the person giggling at every death. >D

    This play is fierce in all the ways - fiercely funny, fiercely feminist, and fiercely gory. I got to see the world premiere in Chicago and was really impressed. An examination of turning anger into power, and when it goes to far. Also of how many ways to kill awful men. I was the person giggling at every death. >D

View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

  • Dot
    A 16-year-old who hasn’t had her period yet. Wears clogs and band t-shirts that are a little too big. Could really use her mom right now, but she passed 4 years ago in a car accident. Goes to catholic school and her street cred is her dad buys her all the CDs the other parents won’t.
    Character Age
    16
  • Sherry
    A woman who lives in a trailer in the woods. Is she a Witch or is she just a woman? Takes Dot under her wing to usher her into womanhood and then some. Kills men for sport, but they sort of deserve it anyway.
    Character Age
    Ageless
  • Joe
    A dilf. A saddy daddy. Widower of 4ish years, a single parent to a 16-year-old girl. Has she started her period? Best not ask. Would probably like to get laid. Or just a kiss on the lips.
    Character Age
    40s
  • Mikayla
    Dot’s best friend since kindergarten. Thinks she’s more mature than she is. Is gonna do it with her boyfriend soon.
    Character Age
    16
  • An Older Man
    Father Thomas, Mr. Carlson, Officer Lowell, et al.
    Character Age
    Older
  • A Younger Man
    Josh, Officer Jowell, Mr. Karlson, et al.
    Character Age
    Younger

Awards

  • 2023 Austin Film Festival Playwriting Competition
    Austin Film Festival 2023
    Selection
  • Epiphanies New Work Festival
    Wild Imaginings
    Semi-Finalist
    2024
  • Henley Rose Playwright Competition
    Finalist
    2024
  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neill Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2024