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The Wanderers

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  3w, 2m

Anna Ziegler

Two marriages have seemingly little in common: Esther and Schmuli are Orthodox Jews navigating strictly defined rules, while Sophie and Abe are secular and free to make their own choices. But both couples are growing apart.

The Wanderers

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Two marriages have seemingly little in common: Esther and Schmuli are Orthodox Jews navigating strictly defined rules and roles, while Sophie and Abe are secular and free to make their own choices. But both couples are growing apart as they strive to balance their individual identities with the families they’ve created. As Esther tests the boundaries of her personal freedom, Abe falls into a correspondence with a movie star that will shake the foundations of his marriage and career. Anna Ziegler’s funny, moving and thoughtful play asks if following one’s truth is worth it, no matter the cost.

History

The Wanderers was originally developed and produced at the Old Globe in San Diego, California, in 2018. It later debuted off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre through the Roundabout Theatre Company on January 26, 2023. 

Keywords
Performing Groups

ESTHER – mid-20s to early 30s; she feels young, impressionable, eager and yet no-nonsense too; she’s Jewish (Hasidic).
SCHMULI – 30s, formal, not totally comfortable in his skin, also Hasidic; should have the capacity for deep, surprising emotion; he is a profoundly gentle person.
ABE – mid-30s–early 40s, an intellectual who enjoys seducing with language; he’s charming but also self-effacing, humble, confused, and trying his best; in other words, he’s Jewish.
SOPHIE – mid-30s to early 40s, Abe’s wife, dry and intelligent and world-weary; she is biracial: Caucasian/Jewish and Black.
JULIA CHEEVER – mid-30s to early 40s, a movie star with an abundance of outward charm and confidence; she is poised and polished, but not without vulnerability.

  • Time Period Contemporary, 1970s
  • Setting

    Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Albany, New York. 1973-82, and 2015-17.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 105 Minutes

Media

“The Wanderers is that rare play worth seeing twice, with a plot to ruminate on for a lifetime.” – Washington City Paper

“This absorbing, twisty, and thoughtful play is the finest play of the year!… In addition to writing with searching depth, Ms. Ziegler can be quite funny… A play of superior quality.” – Wall Street Journal

“The Wanderers is that rare play worth seeing twice, with a plot to ruminate on for a lifetime.” – Washington City Paper

“The Wanderers, Anna Ziegler’s very accomplished, tightly knit Chinese puzzle box of a play… is a treat for the eyes and the heart.” – The Jerusalem Post

“As fine and perfect a piece of theater I’ve seen in many a year... The script by Anna Ziegler is a revelation, touching on family truths, marriage, and personal histories... Go see this show. It’s magnificent.” – DC Theatre Scene

Videos

  • The Wanderers – The Finest Play of the Year Featurette youtube thumbnail

    The Wanderers – The Finest Play of the Year Featurette

  • The Wanderers – City Theatre Company Trailer youtube thumbnail

    The Wanderers – City Theatre Company Trailer

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Authors

Anna Ziegler

Anna Ziegler
Anna Ziegler’s plays include: Photograph 51(Ensemble Studio Theatre, October-November, 2010 directed by Linsay Firman; Fountain Theatre, March-May 2009; EST’s 2009 First Light Festival, directed by Lynne Meadow; winner of the 2009 STAGECompetition judged by David Auburn, John ...
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