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Behind the Sheet

Run Time:
One hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission
Ages: 16+
Closing: February 10, 2019

Behind the Sheet - 2019 Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Ensemble Studio Theatre
549 West 52nd Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10019

Behind the Sheet is inspired by the story of Dr. J. Marion Sims, who is widely known as the controversial "father of modern gynecology." Inventor of the speculum and creator of a technique to cure severe gynecological ailments, he was a champion for women's health when medical schools taught nothing about female reproductive anatomy. However, he made his discoveries by repeatedly performing experimental surgery on his female slaves, including three, Anarcha, Lucy and Betsey, about whom no more is known than their names.

Playwright Charly Evon Simpson imagines the experiences of these women lost to history. In her play, Dr. George Barry purchases slaves who developed painful fistulas during labor. Simpson dramatizes their involuntary participation in Barry's surgeries, as they yearn for a cure and dread the pain of each new surgical experiment. Alongside their suffering, Simpson traces the friendships, loyalties and rivalries that develop between the women as they endure a string of failures in pursuit of the slim hope of relief.


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Guildhall School of Music & Drama to Launch 52 Summer Schools Courses for 2026
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026


Guildhall School of Music & Drama announced 52 Summer Schools courses, including 11 brand-new offerings for participants aged 8 and above, covering drama, writing, music, and production arts.

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8Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 8, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 27, 2025- MAMMA MIA! Tops the Grosses and More
by - Aug 27, 2025


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Interview: Laura Anne Harris and Ronit Rubinstein Talk Toronto Fringe
by Ilana Lucas - Jun 29, 2025


BroadwayWorld talked to Harris and Rubinstein about why they created shows where the audience determines the order, how we make emotional connections to objects, and what constitutes “good grief.”

Interview: Theatre Life with S. Katy Tucker
by Elliot Lanes - Apr 29, 2025


Today’s subject S. Katy Tucker is currently living her theatre life as the projection designer for Washington National Opera’s (WNO) production of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs. The production runs May 2nd through 10th in the Opera House at Kennedy Center.

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by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025


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by Sarah Lasko - Feb 6, 2025


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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2024


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by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2024


The Annisquam Village Church has announced the opening of its music series on October 19, featuring a variety of performances.

Music Series At Annisquam Village Church Opens October 19
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2024


Annisquam Village Church has announced the opening of the 2024/25 Music Series on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 pm  with Devil's Box and Glory of God: The Soul of the Violin from Paganini to Penderecki to Bach, Bluegrass, and Beyond. Violinist, composer and AVC Artist-in-Residence Scott Moore embarks on  this musical journey celebrating the violin at the Annisquam Village Church on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 pm.

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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2024


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Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 26, 2024
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Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 18th, 2023
by - Sep 18, 2023


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 18th, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld 8/15: THE WIZ Finds its Dorothy, Eva Noblezada Departs HADESTOWN, and More!
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Atlantic Theater Company to Present MIXFEST (WRIT)UAL MIX: TRADITIONS OF THE DIASPORA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2023


oin Atlantic Theater Company's The Judith Champion MixFest as they showcase the best of traditional diaspora music. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and experience a melodic journey through the rich traditions of the diaspora. Don't miss this unifying event that brings together diverse musical talents on one stage.

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Page 73 to Present NEW PLAY BAKE OFF at 25th Anniversary Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 15, 2023


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Interview: Get to Know KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Alli Mauzey & Why Victoria Clark Says She's an 'Inspiration'
by Cara Joy David - Apr 18, 2023


During the second act of Kimberly Akimbo, eagle-eyed fans may notice that Alli Mauzey, playing the character of Pattie, switches the leg brace she is wearing from one leg to the other between scenes. The move is missed by the vast majority of the audience and it’s possible some who do catch it may think it an accident. But for Mauzey it has meaning. It saves her hips, but it also adds another layer to the character: Pattie, already established as a hypochondriac, is so much of one that she could easily forget which leg the brace belongs on.

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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 29, 2023


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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2023


Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have announced that Mary Elizabeth Hamilton, an EST Youngblood Graduate, will make her Off-Broadway debut with her new play SMART.

CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY Begins Performances Tonight at Keen Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2023


Performances begin tonight for Keen Company’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. 

Behind the Sheet History

Other Productions of Behind the Sheet

2019   Off-Broadway Ensemble Studio Theatre World Premiere
Off-Broadway

Videos


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