Synopsis

Grace is a wise and cunning woman who uses her knowledge of herbs and healing to help the women in her village. Set in the 17th century, the play follows Grace and her friends Rose, Helen, and Mary as they navigate a world where women’s autonomy is increasingly threatened by the rise of male-dominated medicine and the persecution of women accused of witchcraft.

Throughout the play, Grace and her friends face numerous challenges, including the arrival of a ruthless Pricker who seeks to identify and punish women he deems to be witches. Despite the danger, Grace remains steadfast in her commitment to helping women, even as she becomes a target of the Pricker’s accusations.

Byrthrite is a haunting and emotionally charged play that delves into themes of gender, power, oppression, and the fight for women’s autonomy in a world that seeks to control and silence them. Daniels’ vivid and poetic language, combined with the play’s non-linear structure and elements of magical realism, creates a sense of both intimacy and urgency as the characters grapple with the challenges they face. The play is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.