A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Agnes of God

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  3w

John Pielmeier

In this taut, compelling three-character drama, a court-appointed psychiatrist must assess the sanity of a novice accused of murdering her newborn.

Agnes of God

Request licence
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Suggested Use
    • Cutting Approved for Competition
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Summoned to a convent, Dr. Martha Livingstone, a court-appointed psychiatrist, is charged with assessing the sanity of a novice accused of murdering her newborn. Miriam Ruth, the Mother Superior, determinedly keeps young Agnes from the doctor, further arousing Livingstone’s suspicions. Who killed the infant, and who fathered the tiny victim? Livingstone’s questions force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love, leading to a dramatic, compelling climax.

John Pielmeier's provocative drama, a gripping and dynamic showcase for three strong actors, was a hit on Broadway and on film.

Read more about the play on Breaking Character: Agnes of God: A Conversation with Author John Pielmeier.

History
After a reading at the 1979 Eugene O'Neill Playwrights' Conference, Agnes of God made its professional premiere at Actors' Theatre of Louisville in March 1980. The play premiered on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on March 30, 1982. Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the production starred Elizabeth Ashley, Geraldine Page and Amanda Plummer, who won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. The 1985 film adaptation, directed by Norman Jewison and starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly, earned three Academy Award nominations.
Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting

    A bare stage. One chair.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Play with Music
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Smoking

Media

“Riveting, powerful, electrifying drama.” – New York Daily News

“Outstanding... deals intelligently with questions of religion and psychology.” – The New York Times

“Unquestionably blindingly theatrical... cleverly executed blood-and-guts evening in the theatre.” – New York Post

“Riveting, powerful, electrifying drama... the dialogue crackles.” – New York Daily News

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Agnes of God: A Conversation with Author John Pielmeier
March 9, 2022

Videos

  • Agnes of God - Warehouse Theatre Trailer youtube thumbnail

    Agnes of God - Warehouse Theatre Trailer

  • Agnes of God - Indiana State University Trailer youtube thumbnail

    Agnes of God - Indiana State University Trailer

  • Agnes of God - Bats Little Theatre Trailer youtube thumbnail

    Agnes of God - Bats Little Theatre Trailer

Music

  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.
  • Mandatory Music/Media Fee: £10 per performance

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

John Pielmeier

John Pielmeier

John Pielmeier is an actor and writer who began his career with the internationally acclaimed play and movie Agnes of God. Since then he has had three more plays mounted on Broadway and over 25 film, television movies and miniseries produced. Most recently he has written and ...

View full profile

Now Playing