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a laugh out loud contemporary-period mashup suggests that perhaps a woman’s hunger for unbridled attention is not so shallow, after all

Rose Napoli; Photo by Dahlia Katz (Nightwood Theatre)

Mad Madge

By Rose Napoli

Meet Margaret Cavendish, 17th-century philosopher, poet, playwright – a scandalous Jill-of-all-Trades and mistress of none. In her unapologetic pursuit of fame, Madge ditches her dysfunctional family to join the court of an unruly Queen and leave her mark on history.

Paying homage to Jane Austen and Tina Fey in the same breath, this laugh out loud contemporary-period mashup suggests that perhaps a woman’s hunger for unbridled attention is not so shallow, after all.

Production History

Mad Madge was commissioned and premiered by Nightwood Theatre in association with VideoCabaret at the Theatre Centre (Toronto, ON), through the support of Kate Amesbury, in April 2024.

Runs at Neptune Theatre, Halifax, NS from January 20 - February 8, 2026.

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