TWO ELIZAS

A World Premiere

Written and Performed by Jenny Mercein
Co-Directed by Lori Elizabeth Parquet and Ryder Thornton

May 4 - 14, 2023

Two Elizas, a new solo show by Jenny Mercein, explores the true story of Jenny's ancestor Eliza Mercein Barry, whose landmark 1847 U.S. Supreme Court case Barry v. Mercein established a woman's right to retain custody of her child. Jenny juxtaposes Eliza's story with her own complicated journey to motherhood in a moving intergenerational reflection on resilience and women's rights.

Read an interview with playwright and performer Jenny Mercein.

  • "A terrific character study of two very interesting women, alike in their feistiness, independence and pride. Jenny Mercein gives a master class performance!"

    — Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven 

  • “A one-woman tour-de-force...emotionally gripping...a theatrical gift...A story of passion and feeling, of struggle and triumph…I strongly recommend you see Two Elizas.”

    — Allen Neuner, Out In Jersey