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The Tragedy of Mariam

Elizabeth Cary (1585 - 1639)

The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) is the first original drama written in English by a woman. Elizabeth Cary drew on Jewish histories by Josephus to create a closet drama (written to be read, rather than performed live) about Mariam, the second wife of Herod the Great. At the beginning of the play, Mariam believes that Herod has been killed by Octavius, and struggles with how to respond. On the one hand, she is relieved, as she is angry with Herod for killing her brother and grandfather. On the other, she knows that he loved her, and she feels caught by her sense of duty as his wife. When Herod unexpectedly returns, Mariam must decide what to do. - Summary by Elizabeth Klett

Cast
Mariam: Libby Gohn
Alexandra: Caprisha Page
Salome/Babas' Second Son/Nuntio/Narrator: Elizabeth Klett
Silleus: bala
Constabarus: mb
Chorus: Alan Mapstone
Pheroras: Algy Pug
Graphina: Availle
Babas' First Son/Silleus' Man: Julia Niedermaier
Doris: Kay Hand
Ananell/Butler: Todd
Sohemus: David Nicol
Herod: Bruce Pirie

Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett

Genre(s): Plays, Tragedy

Language: English