Judith

by Katie Bender

"Let me imagine, since facts are so hard to come by, what would have happened had Shakespeare had a wonderfully gifted sister, called Judith, let us say." -Virginia Woolf.
Dressed in drag, Judith assumes her brother's identity and heads to London to save his reputation. In a patriarchal, politically-charged, deeply divided nation, she discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of passing as a man, while becoming the...

"Let me imagine, since facts are so hard to come by, what would have happened had Shakespeare had a wonderfully gifted sister, called Judith, let us say." -Virginia Woolf.
Dressed in drag, Judith assumes her brother's identity and heads to London to save his reputation. In a patriarchal, politically-charged, deeply divided nation, she discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of passing as a man, while becoming the poet known around town-and to history-as The Bard. Gallivanting in and out of character, Judith is an unexpected solo show that explores ambition, self-worth, and queer identity.

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Judith

Recommended by

  • Megan Thornton: Judith

    "Judith" imagines an alternative biography for William Shakespeare, creating a feminist, queer space that is also a love letter to the theater. This play has intrigue, wit, and the artist's hustle. Whether you love or disdain the bard, Judith has something for you!

    "Judith" imagines an alternative biography for William Shakespeare, creating a feminist, queer space that is also a love letter to the theater. This play has intrigue, wit, and the artist's hustle. Whether you love or disdain the bard, Judith has something for you!

  • Jenny Connell Davis: Judith

    A fast-moving, fun, thought-provoking "what if" of a play that makes the past feel alive and present, and leaves you falling in love with the world of Shakespeare even as you bite your thumb at the shitty hand women are usually dealt. Smart, empathetic, and easy to produce...this play should get produced everywhere!

    A fast-moving, fun, thought-provoking "what if" of a play that makes the past feel alive and present, and leaves you falling in love with the world of Shakespeare even as you bite your thumb at the shitty hand women are usually dealt. Smart, empathetic, and easy to produce...this play should get produced everywhere!

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization All For One NYC, Year 2023
  • Type Reading, Organization THT Rep , Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization Hyde Park Theater , Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization THT Rep , Year 2024
  • Type Professional, Organization Urbanite Theater, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization Hyde Park Theater, Year 2022

Awards

  • Best Original Script
    B. Iden Payne Award
    Winner
    2022