THE YELLOW WALLPAPER
A Stage Play Adaptation by Heather Cook
The Yellow Wallpaper
Full-Length Play, Drama, 4 women, 2 men
Plot Synopsis: A successful 19th-century writer suffers from post-partum depression after her first child and is sent to a country house to recuperate from a nervous condition. She develops an unhealthy relationship with the decorative wallpaper of her “rest cure” room.
The Yellow Wallpaper is a 6,000-word short story by the American writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman, first published in January 1892 in The New England Magazine. It is regarded as an important early work of American feminist literature, illustrating attitudes in the 19th century toward women’s physical and mental health.
Heather's adaptation of The Yellow Wallpaper is available for purchase online, or you can inquire about theatrical production rights by filling in the form below.
Productions and Readings
An adaptation of the original short story was scripted and directed by Heather Cook as part of the 2003 season at Theater Schmeater in Seattle, Washington. The production starred Mary Jane Gibson as Charlotte (pictured), Stephen Loch as John, Annie Lareau as Jennie, Lisa Viertel as Mary, Erin Knight as Lucy, and Jim Catechi as Dr. Weir Mitchell. This adaptation won the 2003 Seattle Times “Best of the Fringe” award. Artistic Director, Rob West.
The adaptation also was produced in 2005 at Tarrant County College by Doctor Judith Gallagher, directed by Melinda Benton-Muller with Kami Rogers as Charlotte.
In May 2010, Heather Cook, Melinda Benton-Muller, and Doctor Judith Gallagher spoke on a panel about this adaptation at the – American Literature Association with ALA and Charlotte Perkins Gilman Society members. Kami Rogers moderated the panel.
In October 2015, the play was produced by Converse College in South Carolina School of the Arts.
Theater Schmeater Production Reviews:
The adaptation continues to be produced at many colleges, universities, for UIL competitions, regional theatres and during Women’s History Month. It has also been the center of many graduate students' papers and final projects in set design, directing, and dramaturgy.
Resources
The Charlotte Perkins Gilman Society
The Charlotte Perkins Gilman Society is a scholarly organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860–1935), the groundbreaking author, lecturer, reformer, and feminist best known for her short story The Yellow Wallpaper. The Society supports research, discussion, and performance adaptations of Gilman’s work, ensuring her contributions to literature, women’s rights, and social thought remain accessible and influential for future generations.
Women and Economics, A Study of the Economic Relation Between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution
This seminal work was written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and published in 1898. As with much of Gilman’s writing, the book touched on a few dominant themes: the transformation of marriage, the family, and the home, with her central argument: “the economic independence and specialization of women as essential to the improvement of marriage, motherhood, domestic industry, and racial improvement.”
Note: This book was a key piece in writing the adaptation; a few of the monologues were used directly for the character of Charlotte.
How to License The Yellow Wallpaper
You have two ways to license this adaptation for your production:
1. Need an invoice, purchase order, or have special requests?
Complete the form below, and you’ll receive a QuickBooks invoice with your license agreement attached. This option works best for schools and organizations that require POs or special billing arrangements.
2. Ready to pay online right now?
Scroll down to choose your license type and purchase instantly through our secure checkout. You’ll receive immediate access to the script and license agreement inside your Kajabi account.
Licensing Rates
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Amateur / High School / UIL License – $75 per performance
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Professional License – $125 per performance
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Script PDF (Non-Performance Use) – $30 flat fee
⚠️ Important Licensing Information
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Each license covers one performance only. Please purchase additional licenses for each added show
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All scripts are for internal rehearsal/classroom use only
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Recording, streaming, or broadcast rights are not included
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All publicity and programs must credit:
“The Yellow Wallpaper, adapted by Heather Newman (now Heather Cook), licensed by Creative Maven, Inc.” -
Please send digital copies of your publicity, programs, and reviews within 30 days of performance to [email protected]
Performance Rights
For schools or companies requiring an invoice, purchase order, or special requests, please use the form or continue scrolling to pay online immediately. Thank you for inquiring about this imporant work.
