VOICES OF A REVOLUTION - full-length play in the 1890s about womans struggles.

by Tom Erb

FULL-LENGTH (3M/4F) In a landmark courtroom drama, the United States government has brought a federal case against the Board of Lady Managers, the influential women's committee that oversaw the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The prosecution alleges that under the leadership of Bertha Palmer, the elite socialite chairwoman, the Board engaged in sedition by promoting "radical feminist" viewpoints that threatened to...

FULL-LENGTH (3M/4F) In a landmark courtroom drama, the United States government has brought a federal case against the Board of Lady Managers, the influential women's committee that oversaw the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The prosecution alleges that under the leadership of Bertha Palmer, the elite socialite chairwoman, the Board engaged in sedition by promoting "radical feminist" viewpoints that threatened to undermine the nation's patriarchal foundations.

Summoned as key witnesses are Julia Grant, the widow of President Ulysses S. Grant, struggling to maintain her voice and identity, and Ida Lewis, the famous lighthouse keeper celebrated as America's "Bravest Woman." Though from vastly different backgrounds, the three women quickly recognize shared experiences of persevering against systemic sexism in each other.

What begins as character testimony exposing ingrained injustices soon evolves into a greater intersectional reckoning as Grant, Lewis, and Palmer unite their voices into a unified indictment of patriarchal oppression. Their bravura performances deconstruct the malleable "truths" society has long accepted about gender roles, female objectification, and institutionalized denial of women's equality.

As the trial becomes a flashpoint in the escalating national culture wars, the trio's searing words, and real-life emotional arcs catalyze awakening in the courtroom observers. Their intersectional coalition represents a fuse lit under the coming feminist revolution in the 20th century.

By the powerful finale, the legal verdict becomes irrelevant – Grant, Lewis, and Palmer have irrevocably struck a blow that shatters sexist norms and vindicates centuries of silenced revolutionary voices. As they pass the mantle to a new generation of activists, the echoes of their united cry for justice reverberate outward, shaping an enlightened new era of gender equity.

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VOICES OF A REVOLUTION - full-length play in the 1890s about womans struggles.

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  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: VOICES OF A REVOLUTION - full-length play in the 1890s about womans struggles. by Tom Erb
    “

    This feminist history play would be great for high schoolers learning about the Gilded Age, as it centers important women of the time - Bertha Palmer, Julia Grant, and Ida Lewis - who are often left out of high school history books. It also lends itself well to a post-show discussion about how much has changed since the time of the Chicago World's Fair, when this play takes place, and how much hasn't changed enough.

    This feminist history play would be great for high schoolers learning about the Gilded Age, as it centers important women of the time - Bertha Palmer, Julia Grant, and Ida Lewis - who are often left out of high school history books. It also lends itself well to a post-show discussion about how much has changed since the time of the Chicago World's Fair, when this play takes place, and how much hasn't changed enough.

    ”
  • Anastasia Wild: VOICES OF A REVOLUTION - full-length play in the 1890s about womans struggles. by Tom Erb
    “

    An excellent piece of theatre showcasing historical characters each fighting for the rights and roles of women of the 1800s. I imagine this play being brilliant for many actors and audiences to explore, including community theatre, high schools, and colleges. Tom Erb lends specific and lovely voices to each of the central female characters, projecting the passion and necessity of varied backgrounds and strengths in the fight for equal rights. Additionally, a fun opportunity for dramaturgy to dig into, enhancing audience perspectives! Overall, a beautiful period piece with meaningful...

    An excellent piece of theatre showcasing historical characters each fighting for the rights and roles of women of the 1800s. I imagine this play being brilliant for many actors and audiences to explore, including community theatre, high schools, and colleges. Tom Erb lends specific and lovely voices to each of the central female characters, projecting the passion and necessity of varied backgrounds and strengths in the fight for equal rights. Additionally, a fun opportunity for dramaturgy to dig into, enhancing audience perspectives! Overall, a beautiful period piece with meaningful connections to the modern world.

    read more
    ”
JULIA GRANT: The widow of President Ulysses S. Grant and former First Lady of the United States. In her 60s, Julia carries herself with stately poise and carefully chosen words that are an inner fire. Having moved in elite political circles, she knows how to wield feminine charm yet possesses a rapier wit that can disarm pompous men. Her testimony draws from hard-won struggles to maintain her identity beyond wife/help meet roles.
IDA LEWIS: She is the famed "Bravest Woman in America" for her countless daring maritime rescues as a lighthouse keeper off Rhode Island. Ida is in her 50s, with a weather-beaten countenance and no-nonsense bluntness honed from decades of isolation and hard labor in men's domains. While unpolished, her honesty and plain logic make her utterly sincere and relatable on the stand. Ida brings the defiant perspective of a self-made woman who refuses to know her place.
BERTHA PALMER: The Chicagoan socialite comes from one of America's wealthiest families yet channeled her privilege into formidable activism and leadership roles. In her 40s, Bertha exudes sophisticated confidence and regal comportment that demands respect - a lioness of the Gilded Age salons. As President of the Board of Lady Managers, she is both a defendant and the trio's lynchpin for her powerful identity straddling high society's male elite.
FRANKLIN BLACKWOOD (The Prosecutor): A smug, self-assured attorney who embodies the arrogance and condescension of the patriarchal establishment. Blackwood uses courtly charm to thinly veil his sexist contempt as he aggressively seeks to undermine and discredit the women's "radical" perspectives on immorality and gender roles.
JUDGE SILAS MONTGOMERY: Initially a stern, traditional disciplinarian on the bench. Montgomery is determined to keep strict order and decorum in his courtroom. However, his worldview gradually transforms as the women's searing testimonies take hold. By the finale, Judge Montgomery represents the incremental shattering of institutionalized sexism's stranglehold on the legal system itself.
BAILIFF TOM JENNINGS: A gruff, no-nonsense court officer who initially underestimates the women. However, Jennings is eventually won over and even captivated by the eloquence and passion of their intersectional coalition, unable to stifle his admiration.
ENSEMBLE ROLES:
Court reporters and spectators.
Flashback characters ULYSSES S. GRANT, Ida's sailors, Bertha's high society circle.
Cameos by past revolutionary figures like SOJOURNER TRUTH and SUSAN B. ANTHONY.