Set in Venice, the story revolves around Clarice, who is caught in a web of love and deception. Betrothed to Rasponi, she longs for her true love, Silvio, but complications arise when Rasponi's sister, Beatrice, disguises herself as her brother to pursue her own love interest, Florinda. A greedy servant complicates matters further by attempting to serve both women while keeping their identities hidden. This play revitalizes the Commedia dell'arte style, blending carnival elements with realism, mistaken identities, and humorous mishaps.
“One of the best playwrights our country, and our language, has produced.” –Tony Kushner“Quirky, disturbing, and inexplicably beautiful theatrical poetry.” –Cary M. Mazer, Philadelphia City Paper“Congdon writes like a woman possessed.” –Nels Nelson, New York Daily NewsAn immensely inventive and challenging writer, Constance Congdon is one of America’s finest playwrights, endowed with great compassion, keen insight and an unfailing comic sensibility. Throughout the plays in her first collection, she demonstrates a range rare in writers in any age, from a somber meditation on life in the post-nuclear age ( No Mercy ) to madcap social satire ( Losing Father’s Body ), from an epic historical exploration of love and sexual identity ( Casanova ) to her most popular play to date ( Tales of the Lost Formicans ), acclaimed by William A. Henry III of Time magazine as “A travel guide to Middle America conducted by aliens from outer space… If not the best new play of recent years, surely the most imaginative.”Constance Congdon’s plays have been produced throughout the United States and abroad. She has received playwriting fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller and Guggenheim foundations, and is the winner of Oppenheimer/Newsday, W. Alton Jones and L/ Arnold Weissberger awards. Congdon, an alumna of New Dramatists, currently teaches playwriting at Amherst College.
The first female president feigns an extramarital lesbian affair to advance the gay rights agenda and bring down the religious right."President Joni, the first woman to be elected to that office, is a politician with heart who wants to bring the issue of gay rights to her party's political platform. She wants to confront and change the laws that discriminate against her gay and lesbian constituents … the whole thing works, and reasonably well for the world premiere of this interesting play … you'll stay more than fascinated by the activity of the characters …" —David Roberts, Theater Reviews Limited
Set in the early Sixties, this adaptation of Henry James' story explores themes of cultural identity and social change. The female lead, a half-Hispanic daughter, grapples with her conservative mother's shame, reflecting the tensions of the era. The collaboration between the author and Ron Bashford enriches the narrative, allowing the backstory to unfold naturally. The play culminates with a powerful moment as the protagonist, inspired by the burgeoning protest movements, steps out to join the fight for change, symbolizing a break from her past.
Exploring themes of class and gender, the play delves into the transformative effects of feminism on its characters' lives. With a blend of intelligence and wit, it challenges societal norms and provokes thought on the complexities of identity and relationships. The narrative promises a compelling journey as the characters navigate their evolving realities in a changing world.
