GERTRUDE

by Erin Moughon

Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Hamlet. She must repeat her final days, never veering from the script. Until-- Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Hamlet. She must repeat her final days, never veering from the script. Until n-- Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Gertrude. She must repeat her final days, sticking to the script. Until no-- Gertrude is…

Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Hamlet. She must repeat her final days, never veering from the script. Until-- Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Hamlet. She must repeat her final days, never veering from the script. Until n-- Gertrude is trapped in Hamlet. Yes. That Gertrude. She must repeat her final days, sticking to the script. Until no-- Gertrude is…

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GERTRUDE

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: GERTRUDE by Erin Moughon
    “

    Will the circle ever be broken? A powerful look at the life Gertude is living that will have you riveted. Excellent!

    Will the circle ever be broken? A powerful look at the life Gertude is living that will have you riveted. Excellent!

    ”
  • The PlayGround Experiment: GERTRUDE by Erin Moughon
    “

    This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too.

    This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too.

    ”
Gertrude: 40s, female, trapped, defined by the men around her, but not wanting to be anymore or at least trying to figure out what that would look like

Ophelia: 20s; female, trapped, feisty, strong, men attempt to control her

Chambermaid 1: female, 20s-30s, one of Gertrude’s chambermaids who makes sure she hits her marks and stays in the play; slightly more in charge, like a head stage manager

Chambermaid 2: female, 20s-30s,one of Gertrude’s chambermaids who makes sure she hits her marks and stays in the play; like an assistant stage manager

Hamlet: 20s, yes, he’s that Hamlet; a little aware of the situation, but it doesn’t bother him, he keeps going; son of Gertrude and Old Hamlet: Note: This character is written as male in Shakespeare, but should be played by a non-binary actor comfortable presenting as male/masc

Rosencrantz: male, 20s, one of Hamlet’s best friends from college, now a spy, but also played by the same actor as Hamlet so also Hamlet; a little more spunky than Guildenstern, but it is hard to tell

Guildenstern: male, 20s, one of Hamlet’s best friends from college, now a spy, but also played by the same actor as Hamlet so also Hamlet; a little more serious than Rosencrantz, but it is hard to tell

Claudius: male, 50s-60s king of Denmark, very much in charge, very much that guy

Polonius: male, 50s-60s, an old windbag who literally has no voice; father of Laertes and Ophelia, advisor to Claudius

Laertes: male, 20s, hot headed, brass, brother of Ophelia

Player Queen: female, ageless, wise, a performer

Horatio: 20s, male, played by the same actor as Player Queen in drag

Note: Yes, all these characters are the characters from Shakespeare (except the chambermaids). And yes, all their characteristics from Hamlet apply here as well

Development History