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.
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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.
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"A fun and frequently hilarious satire of suburbia...the entire cast is fantastic" - The Scotsman
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"Not only is Jessica Bickel-Barlow’s style fresh and intelligent, it is inspiring" - London Pub Theatres
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★★★★ - The Skinny
★★★★ - Broadway Baby
★★★★ - The Wee Review
★★★★ - Theatre Weekly
