Githa Sowerby

Katherine Githa Sowerby was born in 1876 in Gateshead, England. Her first play, Rutherford & Son, originally performed in 1912, was an outstanding success. Credited as G.K. Sowerby, the playwright was assumed to be a man. When Sowerby's true identity was revealed, she became an overnight sensation. Rutherford & Son ran for 133 performances in London and 63 performances in New York and was translated into numerous languages. Other plays followed: Before Breakfast (1912); A Man and Some Women (1914); Sheila (1917); The Stepmother (1924); The Policeman’s Whistle, her single full-length play for children (1934); and her last play, Direct Action (1937). She was well known in the early 20th century as a feminist and voice of the people, but by the time of her death in 1970, she and her works had lapsed into obscurity.

Rutherford & Son was revived in 1980 and there have been numerous productions since. Samuel French published The Stepmother to coincide with the 2017 production at the Chichester Theatre.