WROL (Without Rule of Law)
Judy Blume meets Rambo in a darkly comic coming-of-age story for complicated times.
A play by Michaela Jeffery
Dramaturgy and Direction (World Premiere) by Laurel Green
Convinced the world at large can’t be trusted to prioritize the well-being of adolescent girls in the event of a cataclysmic event (or just in general), a determined troupe of preteen “doomers” commit to preparing for survival in the post-collapse society they anticipate inheriting.
When Maureen, Jo, Sarah, Vic, and Robbie sneak out at night to investigate an ominous hidden lair in the woods, they believe they have stumbled onto proof of what happened to a mysterious local cult that vanished over a decade ago. As they search for vital clues, examining small bones and dusty cans of food for signs of life, they fight to be understood in a world that seems to reject them. What they discover changes everything—eighth grade will never be the same.
Part Judy Blume, part Rambo, this darkly comic coming-of-age story for complicated times is for any young woman who has ever been told that she is “too much,” or that what she fears is illegitimate, or that what she has to say is less important than keeping the peace.
WROL is a play by Calgary-based playwright Michaela Jeffery that I had the privilege of dramaturging and directing for its world premiere at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon in 2019. Developed over multiple years through readings and workshops, the play was shaped through deep collaboration between playwright, dramaturg, and a community of readers and performers who believed in its urgent, funny, and necessary voice.
WROL is for any young person who has ever been told that they are "too much," or that what they fear is illegitimate, or that what they have to say is less important than keeping the peace. Since it’s premiere, the play’s themes have only grown more precient and it has gone on to be produced extensively across North America and in Australia — at school and community theatres, festivals, and universities. The script is published by Playwrights Canada Press.
Performances & Workshops (Selected)
To view upcoming performances and history visit michaelajeffery.com
Directed by Laurel Green:
October 30 - November 13, 2019: Persephone Theatre (Saskatoon, SASK) world premiere
April 30, 2019: PlaySmelter Festival (Sudbury, ON) staged reading
September 17, 2018: Big Secret Theatre (Calgary, AB) staged reading
April 21, 2017: Word Play @ WordFest (Calgary, AB) staged reading
