Mary V

In Mary V, a Pirandellian, feminist appropriation of Shakespeare’s historical play, an all-female cast battles for control of a production of Henry V, led by their king, an actress named Mary. The play explores ways in which an actor’s commitment can break down the relationship between illusion and reality and how the division between femininity and masculinity can yield destruction for both sexes. Theater for the New City presented the play last summer in its 2016 Dream Up Festival and will now present it for a full production. Playwright Rebekah Carrow heads a cast of 16 as the upstart king. Charlotte Murray directs.