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AUTHOR NOTE

UGLY

Duchess

the

by Janet Munsil

ORIGINAL SOLO DRAMA

62 minutes

1 PERFORMER, ANY GENDER

SYNOPSIS
Synopsis

What does it mean to "rule with a man's heart?" Margaret Maultasch, 14th century Monarch of Tyrol, nicknamed "Pocket-Mouth," was reputed to be the ugliest woman in history. The perfect scapegoat for her terrified subjects during the ravages of the Black Death, she was also an extremely desirable political bride. Written for and performed by a male actor (Paul Terry), the original production has been sold out, held over and named "Best of the Fest" at fringe and theatre festivals across North America and beyond. The original production has been retired and the script is now available for production for the first time (2018).

PRESS
Press

"The Ugly Duchess is a beauty. Written with lyricism and keen insight, it's a moving and inspirational piece."  TORONTO STAR

 

"Beautifully nuanced."  GLOBE AND MAIL

"Captures the mood and manenrs of the time with scholarly precision."  EYE TORONTO

"Margaret's story is engrossing, infuriating, and heartbreaking ...sprinkled with doses of humour, thanks to Munsil's absolute gem of a script."  EDMONTON SUN

 

"The story of Margaret of Bohemia is absolutely riveting. A fascinating, touching, and extremely funny play."  VUE WEEKLY

 

"Royally entertaining."  WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Script
NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS
Production
History
  • Premiered in 1993 as part of the Open Space New Theatre Series (Victoria BC)

  • Professional Premiere, 1999, Exit Theatre, San Francisco, USA

  • Festivals (1994-2008): Victoria Fringe, Vancouver Fringe, Cowichan Fringe, Edmonton Fringe, Winnipeg Fringe (Heldover), Toronto Fringe (Heldover), San Francisco Fringe (Heldover), Belltable Arts Centre (Limerick, Ireland), Prague Fringe, University of Victoria Spotlight on Alumni.

IMAGES

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