The Family of EWE

The Family of EWE

Described as “an ode to the bonds of female friendship,” The Family of EWE is a play about women, who despite imperfections and challenges, choose to stand by each other and, when necessary,  stand up to each other as well. A comedy that dives deep on real feelings in between the hilarity of everyday life. It is the story of women who become family - on purpose. 

Summary

Hannah, Jane, and Kathy, all in their 50s, return home after the funeral of their friend and housemate, Anne, whose daughters, Sophie and Madeline, show up at different times with unresolved mother issues. The three friends decide to watch over Anne’s daughters, a full hearted, but bumpy undertaking. Friends, Toni, Patty, and Jen, join the household on a regular basis when Hannah hosts the women’s group, EWE (Enlightened Women Empowered). Over the years of sharing stories, laughter, and tears, the group has become family. Things at EWE go awry when Jane invites Margeaux, who is, unbeknownst to all, “the other women” in Kathy's life. In the midst of Kathy figuring out if she can move past her anger, Hannah and Jane invite Madeline, Anne’s youngest daughter, to move in under unexpected circumstances.

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Reviews

"Carole Vasta Folley is a funny lady. And she makes other people funny. Just watch The Family of Ewe and see if you don't LOL. But it's more than that; this is a play written by a woman for women (and one male with a tiny part), and so TFOE exhibits a full spectrum of the feminine and feminist: roller-coaster emotions, relationship dynamics, middle-aged-grrl-power solidarity, insecurity and empowerment."

- Seven Days Vermont

"Tender, often laugh-out-loud ode to the bonds of female friendship. Vasta Folley managed to create a play that’s sentimental and smart - not an easy combination to pull off."

- Five Plays to Remember, Burlington Free Press

Inspiration

The Family of Ewe began as a mission to write roles for women of all ages, as well as to tell a story about unconventional family. The playwright cites Abraham Verghese's description of home as “not where you are from, but where you are wanted.” Vasta Folley says, “I believe that encapsulates our fundamental human need. The Family of Ewe women taught me that there are those who naturally create family and others who are blind to the possibility of belonging. But what is true, is that those who understand it offer harbor for everyone. And women, the nurturers that we are, have a gift for creating family - on purpose.”  

CAST SIZE - 10 (Character & Stage Age)

9 Women (Hannah, Jane, Kathy, Patty, Toni - 50’s / Jen - 40’s / Margeaux late 30’s-40’s / Sophie (late 20’s) / Madeline (early 20’s)
1 Man  (cameo role, Rory - 20’s)