FULL TITLE: Anne Bonny and Mary Read, Late of the Island of Providence, Spinsters and Enemies of All Nations, Are Charges with Piracies, Robberies, and Felonies
or
The Pirate’s Wife
Length: 2 hours
Casting: 7+ (adult version); 12+ (YA version)
The somewhat-true-tale of two women pirates who disguised themselves as men.
SYNOPSIS: Framed as the 1720’s trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, this is a theatrical reimagining of the somewhat true story of the two women pirates who dressed as men. Nicknamed “the lesbian pirate play,” this casts Anne and Mary as early gender outlaws. It begins as a swashbuckling historical drama, becomes a romantic comedy, and ends as a tragedy.
WHY THIS PLAY:
Women pirates. Obviously.
A play about outlaws in an unjust time resonates with current events. Moreover, the play was written as a response to Texas legislation attacking queer people.
The YA version is great as a large cast play if you can rustle up a number of swords.
By framing it as court testimony from different points-of-view, numerous actors get large, ‘leading’ roles.
Can be done with big sets and tech, or a relatively bare stage. (Original production spent about $800.)
Script available on the New Play Exchange (Mature and YA) or by contacting Briandaniel.
Briandaniel Oglesby 