The Squirrel Plays explores the American reproductive rights debate through the metaphor of an unwanted squirrel infestation that disturbs a conservative suburban community. The show previewed at Theatre 503 before completing a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018.
The premise of Squirrel Plays offers a comedic way to look at a contentious, often emotional topic. I wanted to find a way to invite the audience into the humor of the play, but in a way that felt respectful of the characters' emotions and the play's themes. As the metaphor turns on the ways in which the house and the lead character's body are connected, I worked with the ensemble to create all the domestic settings of the story out of their bodies, showing them carrying the load of the house as scenes changed.
"A fun and frequently hilarious satire of suburbia...the entire cast is fantastic" - The Scotsman
"Not only is Jessica Bickel-Barlow’s style fresh and intelligent, it is inspiring" - London Pub Theatres
★★★★ - The Skinny
★★★★ - Broadway Baby
★★★★ - The Wee Review
★★★★ - Theatre Weekly
