• 2026, reading, Southwest Harbor Public Library, ME.

On July, 10, 2026, five women in Hancock County, Maine, come together in a monthly, counseling group for survivors of sexual assault in a room at a rural, mental health clinic. The leader of the group is a survivor herself, and she opens the meeting requesting permission to change the usual format and spend the hour processing the events of the previous week where a Democratic frontrunner for the Senate has been compelled to withdraw from the race, because of a credible allegation of sexual assault.

Both the candidate and the survivor are local residents making national headlines, and there are heated emotions about the incident and the timing of the accusation. The stakes in this election are extremely high for Maine, the poorest state in New England, and the disgraced candidate is a charismatic and compelling speaker. His campaign was progressive, aimed at disillusioned working-class and working-poor voters who have not felt represented in previous Congressional campaigns. This candidate’s town halls were breaking records and the eyes of a troubled nation were on this race.

As the women share their responses, they also share their journeys with recovery from sexual assault.

The play is intended to open new avenues of understanding, specifically for audiences in Hancock County, which is ground zero for the derailed campaign.

Six women (various ages)

40 minutes

Single set of folding chairs