American Cruelty
Staged Reading
Written & Directed By: Elliott Forrest

Content Warning:
Older Children (13+)
Traumatic Themes, Loud Music, Haze

Henry Bergh, the founder of the ASPCA, devoted his life to protecting animals, discovers there are no laws to protect children. Etta Wheeler, a social worker discovers Mary Ellen, a nine-year-old girl has been chained in her apartment with an abusive mother. Etta sets out to save her. The Police and Clergy are no help. She then pleads with Henry Bergh, who at first does not take the case, since, it seems the mother is not breaking laws. Eventually Bergh and his lawyer take on the case. In the meantime, Bergh takes on P.T. Barnum. The play climaxes with the burning of Barnum’s famous zoo – and the verdict in the Mary Ellen court case.

Performers:
To be determined.

Socials:
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