In April 2021, the first version of VIRGINIA/POE premiered over Zoom, presented by the Fordham University Theatre Program. This digital performance was the culmination of a semesters’ worth of excavation and exploration, bringing students together from a number of theatrical disciplines. The nature of this production was highly limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Later that year, Daria Kent (pla
ywright & producer) was awarded a residency by the Center at West Park to bring VIRGINIA/POE to the West Park Presbyterian Church, a New York City landmark and hub for the arts. VIRGINIA/POE will be performed as part of, PARDON THE INTERRUPTION: A Curated Performance Series. This new play uses the historical figure of Virginia to draw attention to the ways young girls are continuously sexualized in our society. But, in line with our artistic goals, VIRGINIA/POE also dares to imagine a world free of this abuse and full of feminist solidarity. The audience is introduced to Virginia and Edgar as they meet, seemingly innocently. As the play progresses the narrative is interrupted and reimagined and reperformed. The play realizes each possibility of the nature of this relationship, rejecting historical tellings and seeking both truth and freedom for Virginia. Along with the characters in the play, the audience is asked to question the complexities of consent and power.
