THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS
A Full-Length Play; Two Hours
The Courtship of
Winifred Edwards
By Maggie Smith
Or: The Handkerchief Play
THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS
Or: The Handkerchief Play
Set in 1890s America, THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS tells the story of two families in the process of becoming one. When Winifred leaves her handkerchief at a dinner party, Anthony Tailor becomes convinced she did so as a means of gaining his attention. He enlists his cousin, Georgia, to help him return the handkerchief and scout out Winifred's feelings for him.
But it's never that simple, is it?
THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS explores the customs of America's Victorian Era, especially focusing on the rules surrounding courtship for younger couples. This play also has a specific interest in social differences between generations, particularly in the ever-changing idea of what is "proper" and "improper." Most importantly, this play was written to explore themes of queer relationships in period pieces. As a queer writer, I'm tired of all historical representation I see of myself have sad endings. This play was made to fix that.
So, yes. This play has a happy ending.
THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS received its world premiere production as a part of Two Chairs Theatre Co.'s 2024-2025 Season.
It featured Peri Griffiths (Winifred), Zoe Sinton-Covens (Ottilie), Gretchen Greear (Eleanora), Grant Batdorff (Granville), Elizabeth Avery (Georgia), John Francis Klingle (Anthony), Andrew Dardena (Clarence), Timothy Sullivan (Victor), Kimberly Florian (Charlotte), and Lauren Reece (Swing), and was stage managed by Anthony Doyle.
Poster Designed by
George Murphy
In October 2025, THE COURTSHIP OF WINIFRED EDWARDS was produced as a part of Louisiana State University's 2025-2026 season in the Shaver Theatre.
The production was directed by Gleason Bauer and assistant directed by Kylee Broomfield. It featured Priya Hildebrand (Winifred), Treasure Jackson (Ottilie), Layla Brown-Collado (Eleanora), Hunter Sparacino (Granville), DJ Flood (Georgia), Ricardo Mendoza (Anthony), Hunter Natasi (Clarence), John Dunn (Victor), Jillian Boyles (Charlotte, Ben Franques (Butler Reginald), and Weston Lewis (Butler Lawrence). It was stage managed by Sofia Silva, and assistant stage managed by Jules Huihui and Lyn Parks.
Photo Courtesy of
the LSU Theatre Department
A full program of the production can be found here.
REVIEWS
"A tour-de-force farce full to the brim of characters that are impossible not to love. 'Winifred Edwards' is one of those shows that is a joy to read and a pleasure to watch. It hits in the way that a classic period piece should but without the often-found esoteric bits -- instead, we get the story of a woman's independence and the well-intentioned fools who get in her way. It's charming, gosh darn it!"
— Sophia Brazda, New Play Exchange
"The Handkerchief Play by Maggie Smith is a captivating exploration of love and societal expectations in 1890s New York. With well-drawn characters like the independent Winifred and the witty Georgia, the play masterfully intertwines humor and romance. The hidden love affair between Winifred and Georgia is both tender and revolutionary, culminating in a heartwarming and triumphant conclusion. Maggie Smith's vivid writing brings the Victorian setting to life, making this play a delightful read that celebrates individuality and love. I highly recommend this play for its engaging storyline and rich character development."
— James Perry, New Play Exchange
"A home run of a play that discusses societal expectations, finding our own paths in the world, and above all LOVE. This play has a plot line that keeps you on your toes, humor that keeps you smiling and laughing, and relatable characters that you truly want the best for (yes even the ones who get in the protagonist's ways). This would be a joy to see staged. Well done."
— Ryan Vaughan, New Play Exchange