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The Insanity of Mary Girard

Play

Overview

Synopsis

Based on a true story, The Insanity of Mary Girard is a dark, brooding drama depicting Mary Girard on her first day in an insane asylum. After she became pregnant by another man, her wealthy husband declared her legally insane and bribed the hospital to keep her in a lunatic cell for the rest of her life. The play begins with Mary sitting in a tranquilizing chair as she’s visited by ghost-like figures called “furies”--figments of her imagination that taunt her and impersonate characters in her own life such as her mother, husband, and her husband’s mistress. This piece of historical fiction examines the role of women’s rights in the 1790s and follows Mary’s journey through her declining sanity in the asylum. The furies in this play showcase a captivating use of dialogue as their text is shared, alternating between the five furies at each use of punctuation. The role of Mary Girard is a fiery, dynamic powerhouse that is a dramatic showcase for a serious performer. Haunting, heart-breaking, and thought provoking, The Insanity of Mary Girard is a fascinating look into the past of women’s rights.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1976
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical, Horror
Settings
Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set, Period
Time & Place
1790, an insane asylum cell in the basement of the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Mature Audiences, Mostly Female Cast, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters

Characters

Character Portrayals

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Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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