Depositions: A New Play by Terrence Dwyer Presented as a Staged Reading by the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Wilkes University

Depositions, a new one-act play by Terrence Dwyer, is a raw, emotionally charged drama that exposes the hidden battles fought by female police officers, not just on the street enforcing the law, but within their own ranks. Set within the confines of a law office pre-trial deposition, the play follows six diverse female police officers as they navigate duty and the crushing weight of a system that often fails to protect them.

Through six separate monologues, comprising flashback scenes and moments of testimony, the women share deeply personal accounts of harassment, betrayal, resilience, and survival. Their stories—drawn from real-world reports and testimonies—highlight the systemic culture of silence and retaliation that discourages reporting and enables abuse. Each woman grapples with the tension between loyalty to the police culture they are a part of and loyalty to themselves, wrestling with guilt, shame, fear, and the longing to be believed.

This is not just a story of victimization, it’s a story of defiance and standing up for one’s rights. As the women begin to tell their stories, they reclaim their voices and confront their supervisors, pushing back against the bureaucracy that protects perpetrators and silences survivors.

Depositions challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, power, and institutional failure within a profession most look upon approvingly as a source of protection. With minimal staging and a powerful ensemble cast, the production creates an intimate space for reflection, empathy, and urgent dialogue. It is a call to attention and a call to action.

Genre: Theater - play
Duration: 60 mins
Price: $15

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