The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women

The Anastasia Trials is a play with intense audience participation where the audience must serve as judge and jury in a case against the five women who betrayed the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. It is a farcical but profoundly engaging excursion into the hidden world of ethics for women who are both survivors and perpetrators of abuse toward women. The play is shaped by the audience decisions to over or sustain the attorneys motions, and every night's audience sees a different play. The performance is a conspiracy trial against five women accused of denying a woman her identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2022
Publisher: Samuel French, Inc.

The Anastasia Trials is a captivating and thought-provoking play that delves into the complex realm of ethics for women who have experienced abuse, both as survivors and perpetrators. Presented by the Emma Goldman Theatre Brigade, this play-within-a-play takes place in a courtroom drama format, where the audience plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the case. The play revolves around the betrayal of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, the last surviving daughter of the Tsar of Russia, by five women. As the audience members participate in the courtroom proceedings, they are presented with ethical dilemmas and must make decisions that ultimately determine the fate of the accused women.

One of the key aspects of The Anastasia Trials is its innovative format. The play is structured as a play-within-a-play, where a radical feminist theatre company comes together to perform a courtroom drama. The audience's decisions influence the course of the play, as they can overrule or sustain the attorneys' motions. This dynamic ensures that every night's performance is unique, as the audience witnesses a different version of the play based on their choices.

The play explores a range of complex ethical questions, touching upon issues of sisterhood, loyalty, and betrayal among women. The plaintiff in the case is Anastasia Romanov, the sole survivor of the 1918 massacre of the Russian imperial family. Through her testimony and the testimonies of other women who have faced similar betrayals, the play sheds light on the devastating consequences of abuse and the importance of seeking justice.

The performance itself is a masterfully crafted piece of theatre that combines elements of farce, social history, debate play, agitprop, audience participation, melodrama, and satire. The script by Carolyn Gage is raucous, multilayered, and filled with witty dialogue and memorable characters. The actors deliver powerful performances that bring the characters to life, eliciting a range of emotions from the audience. The play's use of humor and satire allows for a lighter tone while still addressing serious issues, making it accessible and engaging to a wide range of audiences.

One of the standout features of The Anastasia Trials is its ability to engage the audience on multiple levels. The play encourages active participation from the audience, as they are asked to make decisions and vote on the verdict. This not only adds to the excitement and suspense of the play but also allows for a deeper exploration of the ethical questions raised. The audience's choices have a real impact on the outcome of the case, making them feel as though they are part of the judicial process.

In conclusion, The Anastasia Trials is a must-see play for anyone interested in feminist theatre, social justice, and ethical dilemmas. With its innovative format, powerful performances, and thought-provoking script, this play offers a unique and engaging experience that challenges the audience to think critically and consider the impact of their choices. The Anastasia Trials is a testament to the power of theatre to inspire change and promote empathy and understanding.

Weight: 109g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780573628436