Director's Notes
Shakespeare remains one of the most iconic playwrights in history, his rich and complex characters continuing to inspire theatre artists around the world. Yet, when we look closely at his tragic female characters, it becomes clear that they are often denied the same agency and choice afforded to many of the men in his plays.
It is with this idea in mind that author and playwright Joy McCullough approached her novel—and later adapted it for the stage. Exploring Shakespeare’s women through a modern lens has been both challenging and thrilling, especially alongside such a dedicated cast and crew. Each member of this team has delved deeply into the text, researching and reflecting to bring authenticity and heart to these timeless stories.
We are also excited to welcome many new members to our theatre department, both onstage and behind the scenes. I couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration, creativity, and care they have brought to this production.
May this play remind us all that we do have a choice in shaping the stories of our own lives. As Juliet reminds us, “I let you tell yours how you wanted to, because the choice is the point.”
-Mrs. Emily Mokrycki, Director
Show Synopsis
In the storage space beneath a stage’s trapdoor, Shakespeare’s dead women come to pass the time until they are required upon the stage again. The older women are resigned to their fates. But the younger women have some notes. Led by young, enthusiastic Juliet—who is sick of wrenching that dagger out of her chest night after night—they begin to share their stories with one another. They start with comedic speed-throughs of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear, but then start asking: How might things have been different if they had been given more agency? Both a love letter to and critique of Shakespeare, Enter the Body is a testament to how young women can support each other and reclaim their stories in the aftermath of trauma.
Retelling Characters
In the Trap Room Romeo & Juliet Hamlet King Lear
Lady Macbeth Juliet Ophelia Cordelia
Desdemona Juliet's Nurse Prince Hamlet King Lear
Joan of Arc Romeo Queen Gertrude Regan
Gertrude Lady Capulet King Claudius Duke of Cornwall
Regan Lord Capulet King Hamlet's Ghost Goneril
Goneril Friar Lawrence Guards Duke of Albany
Cordelia Count Paris Polonius King of France
Ophelia Mercutio Laertes Kent
Lavinina Tybalt Players Earl of Gloucester
Juliet Capulet Servant Catherine Edgar
Montagues Horatio Edmund
Capulets Courtiers
Ball Attendants Beatrice
Duke of Burgundy
Capitaine
Madamue Dumas
