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SYNOPSIS:

In 1905, Clara’s bathtub treatment for epilepsy devolves into dreams where surrealism mixes with Sci-Fi. As she records in her journal, Clara relays her absurd episodes to a cat. Meanwhile, a new immigrant patient, Anna, joins Clara in a fanciful courtroom drama that takes place in the cargo hold of a freighter on the great lakes. A Cat Regards A King explores women’s rights in the late 1800’s with regard to placement in hospitals for the insane, reminding us that even those without a voice have freedoms, both then and now. The story is inspired by the playwright’s great-great-grandmother, Clara, who was admitted as a patient into the Warren State Hospital in 1897.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Female, 21: YOUNG CLARA, 10, NURSE THOMPSON, SAILOR, DR'S 1 & 2

Female, 44: CLARA, ABRAHAM, ALEXANDER

Female, 65: ANNA, NURSE BAIRD, LAWYER

Female, 65: SARAH, JUDGE

Female, 59: DIANE

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Diane Almeter Jones, playwright, editor, designer

Grace Aroune, director

Natalie Kaiser: YOUNG CLARA, NURSE THOMPSON, SAILOR, DR’S 1 & 2

Drew Burton: CLARA, ABRAHAM, ALEXANDER

Kristen Tripp Kelley: ANNA, NURSE BAIRD, LAWYER

Lisa Vitrano: SARAH, JUDGE
 

PRODUCTION HISTORY:

A New Media Storytelling Video Selection for the Irondale On Women Festival 2021