The Maids by Jean Genet

Two French maids plot the murder of their mistress in Jean Genet’s classic. The play is performed in a garden house on the grounds of the historical Germantown house, Wyck, which dates back to 1690.

Mature themes are likely not appropriate for kids under 15.

“The Maids” by Jean Genet is a play that is often interpreted as having subtle LGBT themes. The complex relationship between the two maids, Solange and Claire, is seen by some as suggestive of a lesbian relationship, with their interactions conveying a sense of forbidden desire, emotional intimacy, and power dynamics. Genet, who was openly gay, often explored themes of sexuality and desire in his works, and “The Maids” is no exception. The play can be seen as a reflection of Genet’s own experiences as a queer man, challenging societal norms and exploring the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities, oppression, and marginalized existence within the context of the story.