Scene Library
The scene library is a compilation of scenes from historic plays by women to be used exclusively by acting instructors and students.
Special thanks to Maria-Christina Oliveras and Jacqueline Knapp for their time and commitment.
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(1 W, 1 M)
Frank admits her love for Gaskell.
About the Playwright
Rachel Crothers
Rachel Crothers (1878-1958) had nearly 30 plays produced on Broadway between 1906 and 1937; and she directed most of them herself. “In the last 200 years, a respectable number of women have left their mark on American theater, but few of them have had as impressive a career as Rachel Crothers,” wrote the New York Times in 1980, adding “Although it is rare now to find anyone who has heard of her, Miss Crothers at the apex of her career was the symbol of success in the commercial theater.” Born i…
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(1 W, 1 M)
Fritz, a Dutch violinist, confesses to his friend Frank, a female writer, that he has concerns about the honor of Malcolm Gaskell, the man she loves.
About the Playwright
Rachel Crothers
Rachel Crothers (1878-1958) had nearly 30 plays produced on Broadway between 1906 and 1937; and she directed most of them herself. “In the last 200 years, a respectable number of women have left their mark on American theater, but few of them have had as impressive a career as Rachel Crothers,” wrote the New York Times in 1980, adding “Although it is rare now to find anyone who has heard of her, Miss Crothers at the apex of her career was the symbol of success in the commercial theater.” Born i…
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(2 W)
Singer Lione confronts writer Frank with her suspicions about Gaskell, and the two find a new appreciation and regard for each other.
About the Playwright
Rachel Crothers
Rachel Crothers (1878-1958) had nearly 30 plays produced on Broadway between 1906 and 1937; and she directed most of them herself. “In the last 200 years, a respectable number of women have left their mark on American theater, but few of them have had as impressive a career as Rachel Crothers,” wrote the New York Times in 1980, adding “Although it is rare now to find anyone who has heard of her, Miss Crothers at the apex of her career was the symbol of success in the commercial theater.” Born i…
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Mama and Ruth discuss how Mama might use the money coming to the family.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
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Mama and Ruth scold Beneatha for her strong and contrary opinions about marriage, wealth, and God.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
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1959
Mrs. Johnson visits and talks up a storm about the way black folks are being treated in white neighborhoods, much to the annoyance of Mama and Ruth.
About the Playwright
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born in Chicago’s Southside on May 19, 1930 to Nannie and Carl Hansberry. Her father, who worked in real estate and banking, was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights in the city of Chicago and rebelled against the “restrictive covenants” that prevented African Americans from living in certain all-white neighborhoods of the city. His fight led to his family taking a house in one of these neighborhoods and facing extreme violence in response. Later, he and the N…
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(1 W, 1 M)
Harriet, a university student, goes head to head with her father, a congressman, about the state of society and the problems with the wealthy class.
1931
Harriett and Bill step outside to escape the din of the Congressman's party and discuss how little they care for such events.
