The Enemy of the State
Be the first to bring this new play to life. We’ve waived the World Premiere script fee — simply add the script to your order, and the discount will apply. You’ll only pay the standard performance licensing.
As the premiere producing school or theatre, you’ll receive:
- Official “World Premiere with Gitelman & Good Publishers” credit
- Recognition on our website and in our catalog
- Optional feature in our educator newsletter and social media
In return, we ask that you share:
- At least 5 high-quality production photos
- Brief testimonials from the director and student performers
This helps us celebrate your students’ achievement and inspire other theatre programs nationwide.
Genre: Historical Drama
Format: Live In-Person Performance
Keywords: Democracy, Power, Morality/Virtue
Cast Size: 13+ (6 male, 7 female); with doubling, 8 (4 male, 4 female); optional extras
Duration: 90 minutes
Time Period: Ancient Greece
Cautions: None
Contact info@gitelmangoodpublishers.com with questions.
In 399 B.C., Athens is on the verge of collapse, and Anytus, the Chief of the Assembly, struggles to hold the city together. Socrates, an aging philosopher, refuses to support the government and is accused of heresy and corrupting the youth. As he defends himself in court, Socrates turns the tables, putting democracy itself on trial, questioning the motivations and morality of Athens' leaders. Through sharp philosophical debates and dramatic confrontations, the play explores themes of justice, truth, and civic responsibility. With minimal staging requirements and a cast of dynamic characters, The Enemy of the State provides high school drama students with engaging material for performance and classroom discussion.
How We Price
Our pricing is simple and transparent. Each play includes two parts: a one-time script fee of $150, which grants you immediate access to the play and permission to copy and share it within your program; and a performance license of $65 per performance, which covers your live productions for the selected license duration.
How You License
At checkout, select your license duration (for example, the current or next school year) and the number of performances you plan to give. Each license covers live, in-person performances.
What You Get
You’ll receive an instant PDF download of the full script. During your license period, you’re free to copy, print, and share the script within your school or theatre program for rehearsal and performance use—no per-script fees or copy limits.
Praise for This Play
"A sharply drawn and thematically potent exploration of the ways in which democracy can be corrupted by ignorance and manipulation. ... Captures the wit and intelligence of Socrates ... A powerful critique of both venal and short-sighted politicians and the populace who support them." - Script Pipeline.
"As if this ripped from the headlines. Page after page it kept me intrigued. The dialogue was very strong. Each character has a distinct voice. ... A very strong play." - Coverfly
"A perfect script for many theaters as the setup doesn't require a lot and would be a great challenge for a cast of talented actors. Excellent and straightforward writing." - Austin Film Festival
"This entire scenario feels incredibly similar to what has happened in the last few years of the American government ... A fantastic script. Timeless and incredibly timely." - Screencraft
Awards for This Play
Coverfly Redlist: #1 Historical Stage Play
World Series Contest Winner
The Writer Speaks Winner
Lighthouse Writers Winner
New Works of Merit Finalist
Sultan Padamsee Finalist
London Playwrights Award Shortlist
The Cooper Prize Shortlist
Seven Devils New Play Foundry Notice of Merit
Morgan-Wixson Theatre New Works Festival - Semifinalist, Screencraft Stage Play Semifinalist
Risk Theater Tragedy Semifinalist, Write
Movies Play Semifinalist, AACT New Play Fest Semifinalist