Two Elizas
About the Play
1w
50 minutes
TWO ELIZAS by Jenny Mercein explores the true story of Jenny’s ancestor Eliza Mercein Barry and her landmark 1847 U.S. Supreme Court case, Barry v. Mercein, which established a woman's right to retain custody of her child. In an emotionally gripping intergenerational reflection on resilience and women's rights, Jenny mirrors her ancestor with her own trials and tribulations to motherhood.
For production inquiries, please send me a message on my contact page.
Watch the Promo Video
CRITICAL PRAISE
Whitefire Theater, Los Angeles, CA, January 2024
“Two Elizas is really the personification of all that is perfect and true in a solo theatre play.” – NoHo Arts District | READ THE FULL REVIEW
Luna Stage, West Orange, NJ, May 2023
"…a one-woman tour-de-force performance that is a theatrical gift. Two Elizas is a story of passion and feeling, of struggle and triumph — and loss — I strongly recommend you see Two Elizas." – Out in New Jersey | READ THE FULL REVIEW
"TWO ELIZAS is very funny at times and moving at others. Co-directed by Lori Elizabeth Parquet and Ryder Thornton, it has the feel of a heart-to-heart conversation…the audience appeared to be hanging on every word… Mercein made it look effortless.” – NJ Arts | READ THE FULL REVIEW
"...a terrific character study of two very interesting women, alike in their feistiness, independence and pride. Jenny Mercein gives a master class performance in TWO ELIZAS…As herself and as her ancestor, Mercein conveys what it means to be a woman expected by society to marry and produce children, and the problems one can encounter along the way. The 1847 landmark Supreme Court decision ruling that a woman and her children are not the property of her husband continues to resonate today and is a poignant reminder that women have come a long way…and have a long way to go.” – NJ Arts Maven | READ THE FULL REVIEW