The Beholden

$17.00

by Gillian Britt

Play, 5f 3m

Senior theatre major Sally is in the throes of directing her collegiate masterpiece. The play touches on themes near to Sally’s heart: women’s empowerment, female friendship…and witchcraft. Samantha, Sally’s best friend and lead actress, is stuck in a balancing act between her duties to the play and her intense relationship with theatre minor John (whom Sally detests). Sally hopes the play will remind Samantha of her power. As the poison of patriarchy begins to seep into Sally’s work and life, the veil between reality and theatre grows unbearably thin. Faced with unthinkable threats, Sally is forced to call upon unearthly powers to protect who she holds most dear. A witchy tale of bravery, subversive power, and friendship, The Beholden asks its audience what they would do to save the ones they love the most.

by Gillian Britt

Play, 5f 3m

Senior theatre major Sally is in the throes of directing her collegiate masterpiece. The play touches on themes near to Sally’s heart: women’s empowerment, female friendship…and witchcraft. Samantha, Sally’s best friend and lead actress, is stuck in a balancing act between her duties to the play and her intense relationship with theatre minor John (whom Sally detests). Sally hopes the play will remind Samantha of her power. As the poison of patriarchy begins to seep into Sally’s work and life, the veil between reality and theatre grows unbearably thin. Faced with unthinkable threats, Sally is forced to call upon unearthly powers to protect who she holds most dear. A witchy tale of bravery, subversive power, and friendship, The Beholden asks its audience what they would do to save the ones they love the most.

About the Author

Gillian Britt is a playwright and actress located in New York City. As a playwright, her work has been produced by Frigid Theatre, Fishwife Productions, and Trapezoid Theatre Co., at Under St. Marks, Vino Theatre, and The Chain. An enthusiastic advocate for independent theatre, Britt co-produced her play, The Beholden, at The Chain Theatre’s 99-seat space in October of 2023. Excerpts from her pieces Phryne and Glory have been selected to be presented in various new works festivals around NYC. As an actress, she was last seen onstage in her Off-Broadway debut as Janey in Egg Frame at the American Theatre of Actors. She is a proud resident of Stag & Lion Theatre Company, and during her tenure, she has played Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Kitty in Charley's Aunt, Belle in A Christmas Carol, and Narraboth in Salome. On screen, she recently starred in “Blue Diamond,” directed by Murat Vargelci, which was chosen as an Official Selection of the 2024 Big Apple Film Festival. She also recently wrote, directed, and starred in "French Philosophie," and starred in "Creampuff," both of which were presented at the 57th Street Collective's inceptive showing. She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

Britt’s work explores themes of divine femininity and subversive mythology. She has a passion for turning historic prejudices on their heads by crafting nuanced tales which present alternative points of view. She is most inspired by people (often women) who have been discarded or slandered by history–any biased criticism about a powerful woman perks her ears and ignites a drive to tell the other side of the story. She is honored to have the opportunity to uplift the women around her through her work.