I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright follows Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a trans woman and antique dealer, navigating life in Nazi and Communist-era Germany. Charlotte shares her journey from youth to becoming a cultural icon, though her survival involved morally questionable decisions. The play, starring Jefferson Mays, is based on Wright’s interviews with Charlotte and her 1992 autobiography, blending history and personal narrative. Includes themes of political persecution and violence.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,738 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Doug Wright's I Am My Own Wife has received praise for its compelling narrative and singular protagonist, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transgender woman who survived Nazi and Communist regimes in Berlin. Critics commend the poignant storytelling and the depth of character examination. However, some note pacing issues and feel secondary characters could be better developed. Overall, it is an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Who Should Read I Am My Own Wife?

Readers who relish I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright are intrigued by history, identity, and personal resilience. Fans of works like Angels in America by Tony Kushner and The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman will appreciate this gripping exploration of a unique life navigating cultural and political turmoil.

4.1

2,738 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

I Am My Own Wife won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2004, making Doug Wright one of the few playwrights to receive this prestigious award for a one-person show.

This play is based on the true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transgender woman and antique collector, showcasing her life from World War II through the fall of the Berlin Wall.

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Doug Wright conducted over 500 hours of interviews with Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, which significantly informed the development of the play's narrative and characters.

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Book Details

Pages

112

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre

Education

•

Dramatic Literature

•

Historical Fiction

Setting