Overview
Synopsis
Different times and different cultures collide with each other in Lisa Loomer’s dark comedy.
Three women meet in a waiting room, each from a different time and culture and suffering from the effects of their culture’s beauty practices. Victoria, from Victorian England, is about to have her ovaries removed to treat her “hysteria”. Forgiveness From Heaven, an 18th-century Chinese woman, has rotting feet from the feet binding practiced in her culture. Wanda, a modern woman from New Jersey, has advanced breast cancer that wasn’t caught sooner because of her large implants. Douglas, a hapless surgeon, is caught in the middle, torn between his obligations to his patients and his hospital. An ensemble feminist play, The Waiting Room takes a no-holds-barred look at the price women pay for beauty.
Show Information
Characters
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Waiting Room.
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A genre that combines elements of humor and morbidity, exploring serious themes through satire or irony.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
Relating to gender equality, often a theme or character perspective in plays that challenge patriarchal norms.
Feminist theatre is a form of drama that highlights women’s experiences, challenges patriarchal structures, and advocates for gender equality on stage. It often portrays strong, independent female characters and critiques the limitations historically placed on women in society and theatre. Productions in this genre aim to empower audiences and inspire social change through performance.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright