A comedy set in the Dark Ages of England, Silence tells the story of Ymma, a bitter Norman noblewoman banished to England and forced to marry 14-year-old lordling, Silence, who is worth far more than he seems. After an unexpected stand-off with the despotic King Ethelred, the two lovers–joined by Ymma’s innocent servant Agnes, Roger a hapless priest, and Eadric, a soldier with an eye for radiance—embark on a journey through power, identity, gender, and desire that will change their lives forever.
Madeline Schulman (Silence) and Erin Scanlon (Ymma)
Buffini won the 1999 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for best English-language play by a woman for Silence. Its New York opening in 2002 prompted The New York Times to call it a “witty, provocative, prizewinning comedy drama…SILENCE deserves to be seen.” The Village Voice said “Fun to watch… compelling, taut, and effervescent… the nimble physical comedy is a treat. Buffini’s wit triumphs.”
Silence, directed by Producing Artistic Director, SerahRose Roth, and featuring some of the best local talent, plays in December at The Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville.