“Gulzara, The Persian Slave” is a captivating glimpse into a Victorian melodrama crafted for private performance, intended to be acted out by a small group of amateur women in the intimate setting of a home or school. Uniquely penned by a female playwright, this play features a cast of women, with the sole male character, Amurath, portrayed by a young girl in a breeches role. Set against the backdrop of a harem in Constantinople, the narrative weaves a tale of intrigue surrounding the abduction of Sultan Suliman’s son, while also providing a fascinating insight into the lives of young women in 1840s and 50s America. - Summary by Kelly S. Taylor