Plays About Women: Feminist, Strong & Empowerment

These plays are all focused on women. Some are overtly feminist or are about strong or empowered women. Others are more subtle or might simply be about women.

Plays About Feminism or Women

Trifles by Susan Glaspell (1 Act)

A small group has gathered at the Wright farm. John Wright was found murdered in his bed. The county attorney, Henderson, has been called to investigate and get the story. Also present is Henry Peters, the sheriff and Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale. The neighbor who found the body, Lewis Hale, explains what happened. The men take the lead in the investigation. The women look over the kitchen and gather a few things to take to Mrs. Wright, who’s being held on suspicion of the murder.

This play can be read in the preview of Plays by Susan Glaspell. (Go into “Paperback” preview first, then select “Kindle”, 5% in)

A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen (3 Acts)

Nora comes home after some shopping. Her husband, Torvald, a bank manager, scolds her over her spending. Nora had secured a loan years earlier by forging her father’s signature. She has been secretly paying it back but is finding it difficult. Krogstad, a man who works for her husband, knows Nora’s secret and threatens her when he runs into some problems.

The Stronger by August Strindberg

Two women, both actresses, meet in a coffeehouse. Mrs. X comments on Miss Y being alone on Christmas Eve, and on her failed marriage. Mrs. X’s monologue continues, revealing their history and rivalry.

The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca (3 Acts)

Bernarda Alba’s second husband has died. She imposes an eight year period of mourning on her five daughters. They’ll be cut off from the outside world, especially from men. The oldest daughter, Angustias, has some money inherited from her father, Bernarda’s first husband. She has a suitor, Pepe, although he’s only interested because of her money. Bernarda oppresses her household.

Workout by Wendy Wasserstein (1 Act)

A woman in athletic wear puts on music and starts leading an exercise class. While exercising, she urges her class on and talks about herself. She’s got a lot going on—with her work, husband, kids and hobbies. She seems to be living an exemplary and fulfilling life.

The Cuban Swimmer by Milcha Sanchez-Scott

Marguerita Suarez, nineteen-years-old, swims in the Pacific Ocean while her family follows close by in a boat. She’s competing in a race from San Pedro to San Catalina Island. Reporters on a helicopter arrive on the scene and talk about the action and backstory.

The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein (2 Acts)

The scenes cover notable incidents in Heidi’s life from sixteen to forty. It includes her romantic relationships, involvement in women’s groups, friends, education, and career as an art historian.

The Wash by Philip Kan Gotanda

Masi has left her husband, Nobu, after 42 years, and starts seeing another man, Sadao. Nobu has traditional values and beliefs about the role of women, while Sadao is more open. Masi still does Nobu’s laundry. Their two daughters have differing views on the split.