The Pyg Hypothesis

Written by Greta Mae Geiser

Naively misogynistic Elijah finds himself in the middle of a philosophical quandary at the hands of Dr. Harriet Higgins and Professor Quinn Pickering. The hypothesis: A person can change their nature only once they are willing to change their manners. Vowing to reform the sheltered man's views in just a month, however, brings to light the flaws in Higgins' own nature. If she refuses to change her strait-laced...

Naively misogynistic Elijah finds himself in the middle of a philosophical quandary at the hands of Dr. Harriet Higgins and Professor Quinn Pickering. The hypothesis: A person can change their nature only once they are willing to change their manners. Vowing to reform the sheltered man's views in just a month, however, brings to light the flaws in Higgins' own nature. If she refuses to change her strait-laced manners, she risks her relationships, family structure, and, ultimately, her way of life.

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The Pyg Hypothesis

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Coons: The Pyg Hypothesis Written by Greta Mae Geiser
    “

    Just saw a production of this terrific play in Chicago. There's a strong premise: gender-flipping the Pygmalion story- but the play goes farther than that and stands on its own as a comedy that speaks to the current moment. The characters and relationships are superbly drawn- some inspired by the characters in the Shaw play, and some invented by the playwright. More than just a clever riff on a classic, this play offers a fresh, original dialogue about gender and the world we're living in today.

    Just saw a production of this terrific play in Chicago. There's a strong premise: gender-flipping the Pygmalion story- but the play goes farther than that and stands on its own as a comedy that speaks to the current moment. The characters and relationships are superbly drawn- some inspired by the characters in the Shaw play, and some invented by the playwright. More than just a clever riff on a classic, this play offers a fresh, original dialogue about gender and the world we're living in today.

    ”

Character Information

The roles of FLOWER SELLER, SECURITY GUARD, and SERVER are written to be played by one actor but can be separated for a larger cast.
  • Dr. Harriet Higgins
    A high-minded lesbian professor of Women's Studies and the author of the most recommended book in modern feminist literature — so she will remind you.
    Late 30s to Mid 50s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Professor Quinn Pickering
    Higgins' empathetic and devoted partner — and an accomplished professor in their own right — with a tendency to let their affection blind them to her flaws.
    30s to Late 40s
    Non-binary -- femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Claire Eynsford
    A charmingly awkward friend of Higgins and Pickering with a penchant for self-deprecation and a long history of dating the wrong guy — emphasis on "long."
    30s to Early 40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Elijah Doolittle
    A sheltered young man from a small town in the rural South, new to the city and eager to learn from Dr. Higgins and Pickering.
    Late 20s to Mid 30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Al
    Elijah's misogynistic ex-frat bro roommate. A loud, egotistical adherent to the bro-code who doesn't care to change — Why would he need to?
    20s to Mid 30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Hunter Higgins
    Higgins' biological daughter, co-parented with Pickering. She takes after both her parents with a firey temper and a big heart — plus a little teen angst to round it out.
    15
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Flower Seller
    An employee at the lesbian bar in Scene 1.
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Security Guard (Voice Only)
    The female security guard at Higgins' office.
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Server
    The server at the restaurant in Scene 8. Physical comedy is a plus.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Reading, Theatre Above the Law, 2024
  • Reading, Theatre Above the Law, 2023
  • Commission, Theatre Above the Law, 2022

Production History

  • Professional, Theatre Above the Law, 2025