For lovers of Shakespeare, complex characters, and fresh theatrical perspectives, springboarding from familiar classics into bold new stories can be thrilling. If you’ve ever wondered *“Who was Ophelia beyond the drowning scene?”*, these three plays from Havescripts offer powerful, imaginative answers — and they’re perfect additions to your theatre library or production season.

Whether you’re a director looking for engaging material, a drama teacher seeking fresh texts for students, or a theatre lover fascinated by psychological depth, these plays shine a spotlight on one of Shakespeare’s most compelling and misunderstood characters.

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1. Drowning Ophelia

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This play takes us deep into Ophelia’s inner world — before, during, and after the pivotal events we glimpse in Hamlet. Drowning Ophelia blends poetic language with emotional truth, giving audiences a chance to experience her thoughts, fears, and desires more fully.

 Highlights

* A lyrical reimagining of Ophelia’s journey
* Ideal for smaller casts and intimate staging
* Perfect for festivals or themed performance nights

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2. Ophelia Chooses

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A bold, modern take, Ophelia Chooses poses a powerful question: *What if Ophelia didn’t have to be silent?* This play imagines Ophelia making her own choices — reshaping her fate and challenging the expectations placed on her. It’s vibrant, provocative, and full of agency.

Highlights

* Strong focus on character development
* Great for youth theatre, women’s theatre projects, or ensemble work
* Offers actors rich material for auditions and workshops

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3. Ophelia Lives

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Ophelia Lives  is a bold exploration of survival and identity. What if Ophelia didn’t drown? This play picks up the threads of her story and weaves them into a new narrative about resilience, memory, and self-discovery. It’s dramatic, engaging, and full of theatrical possibility.

Highlights

* Fresh dramatic arc with emotional resonance
* Suitable for larger casts and dynamic staging
* A compelling choice for mainstage productions

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Why These Plays Matter

Ophelia is one of theatre’s most intriguing figures: trapped between loyalty, love, and madness, her voice is often overlooked in traditional retellings. These plays don’t just retell her story — they reinvent it. They give directors, actors, and audiences something *new* to engage with every time the curtain rises.

Whether you’re building a Shakespeare-inspired season, exploring women’s perspectives on stage, or introducing students to character-based storytelling, these three plays are rich with opportunity.

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Explore them now:

Drowning Ophelia –
Ophelia Chooses –
Ophelia Lives–

Let Ophelia speak — and watch your audience lean in.