Ye Bare and Ye Cubbe: The First Last American Play

About the Production

Written by Cason Murphy and Students in THTRE 5040B 

Directed by Cason Murphy

In 1665, inside a tavern on the eastern shore of colonial Virginia, what is often called the first play performed in English in North America—Ye Bare and Ye Cubbe—took place. Days later, one of its authors, William Darby, was charged with “public wickedness,” and he and his two fellow actors were hauled into court and ordered to recreate the performance in costume. While the men were acquitted, this was the last time the play was ever performed. The script was lost. The record died 361 years ago. So… we’re bringing it back to life. In Spring 2027, ISU Theatre will attempt to reconstruct—and reinvent—the play that may have launched American theatre history. Part historical investigation, part theatrical séance, part beautiful act of mischief, Ye Bare and Ye Cubbe: The First Last American Play will explode the gap between archive and imagination. If this was the “first" “American" “play," what kind of country did it help imagine into being…and what happens when we stage it again? 

March 4, 5, and 6, at 7:30 pm and October 7, at 2:00 pm

Venue TBD

General admission $20; youth and ISU students Free. 

ISU Theatre Accessibility Statement: "Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all ISU Theatre events. If you require a reasonable accommodation to do so, please contact ISU Theatre at least one week prior to the event. isutheatre@iastate.edu, 515.294.2624.