World Premiere of a new play written by Martha Douglas-Osmundson. Directed by Leslie Pasternack.

A Story Rooted in Humanity, Memory, and Light

In upstate New York, a snowed-in house tucked beside an old mill holds a decade of grief—and one sister’s persistent hope. Enid’s Mill is a poignant new family drama about choosing color and light, even on the darkest days. Set in 1979 in upstate New York, Enid’s Mill unfolds inside a place layered with grief, color, and the stubborn hope of a family trying to find its way back to one another. When Cassie returns home after a decade away, she must face the tragedies she fled and reconnect with her brilliant, neurodiverse sister Enid.

When Cassie returns home she confronts the tragedies that tore her family apart. Surrounded by home-cooked food, brightly colored paintings, and many unspoken truths, the family navigates a stormy reunion with the power to heal, if Cassie can let them in. 

The play is described as “a tender, richly human story about resilience, memory, and what it means to come home.” That tenderness is unmistakably Martha’s voice—empathetic, observant, and deeply attuned to the complexities of family.

"It is so refreshing to come across a playhouse like The Players' Ring Theatre, that champions the work of new talent. The set is an incredible throwback to 1979. The main character Enid who is neurodivergent is a true hero and it is her actions that allow much needed connection for the other characters and really the audience as well."

The Players’ Ring team approached the play’s sensitive themes with intention and respect. As the producer notes, Enid’s character is inspired by Martha’s own lived experience as a sister and caregiver. That authenticity guided the entire creative process.

Director Leslie Pasternack and actor Elly Berke shaped Enid with empathy and rigor, honoring the character’s complexity while acknowledging the challenges of casting such a role. The result is a portrayal that audiences have embraced wholeheartedly.

Behind the scenes, the production team brought 1979 to life with remarkable detail—from Don Goettler’s evocative set to Tayva Young’s lighting, Kelli Connors’ costumes, and Ben Bagley’s sound design. Even the floor painting, created with help from the Ogunquit Playhouse scene department, has earned admiration.

Kyle Sidders, Cara Olansky & Shaughnessey Daniels

Set by Don Goettler, Lights by Tayva Young, Costumes by Kelli Connors, Props by Catharine Davis, Sound by Ben Bagley

The set designer (Don Goettler) and the director (Leslie Pasternack) discuss something onstage, while the lighting designer and sound designer (Tayva Young & Ben Bagley - they are there, behind that monitor on the black table!) check some cues, and the stage and props manager (Catharine Davis) goes through her long (LONG) checklist of edible props.

One audience member captured the experience beautifully:

“The acting was authentic, heartfelt, beautifully delivered. The performance made us laugh and cry, and it stayed with us.” (Catherine N.)

Another wrote:

“The main character Enid who is neurodivergent is a true hero… You don’t want to miss this funny and meaningful play.” (Tina F.)

These reactions speak to the emotional resonance Martha has crafted—humor intertwined with heartbreak, and characters who linger long after the curtain falls.

A Triumph for Martha—and for New Work

What makes this premiere especially meaningful is that Enid’s Mill is not just a new play—it is a new play championed by a theatre committed to nurturing emerging voices. As one patron put it:

“It is so refreshing to come across a playhouse that champions the work of new talent, in this case Enid’s Mill written by Martha Douglas‑Osmundson.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Martha’s work exemplifies the power of original theatre to spark connection, conversation, and community joy. Her ability to write with both emotional precision and expansive compassion is a gift to audiences—and a point of pride for all of us at the RI Roundtable.

A note from the Producer: 

Enid’s Mill, while loving and full of humor, engages complex and weighty themes that we have approached with care and intentionality. The character of Enid is developmentally disabled and lives with physical challenges. Her dialogue, behavior, talents, and sense of humor are deeply inspired by the playwright’s brother. We have allowed Martha’s lived experience as sister and caregiver to guide us in shaping as nuanced and specific a characterization of Enid as possible. Given the complex demands of the role, we were not able to cast an actor who shares Enid’s disabilities. Under the caring direction of director Leslie Pasternack, Elly Berke brings empathy and rigor, creating a portrayal rooted in respect and authenticity. We look forward to hearing your response to this character and to the play as a whole.

Cast

Elly Berke as Enid Shaughnessey Gower as Cassie Samantha Griffin as Chloe Tara Johns as Lorain Cara Olansky as Jacinta Kyle Sidders as Larry Teddy Wilkin as Gregory

Creative Team

Director: Leslie Pasternack Set Design & Construction: Don Goettler Lighting Design: Tayva Young Costume Design: Kelli Connors Sound Design: Ben Bagley Production Stage Manager & Props: Catharine Davis

NOTE: This blog post was composed from a collection of posts from Facebook posted by the playwright, and the Player's Ring Theatre in Portsmouth New Hampshire.