Written and created by Kacie Devaney

Co-Author Karen Devaney

In 1917, American sisters ELIZABETH and CELIA embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. Elizabeth is one of the first registered nurses to go overseas with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, (ANC) and offer her services in France when the United States finally enters World War I. Always having the dream of being a doctor but not permitted by society, Elizabeth takes this opportunity to practice medicine. Celia, a wildly talented dancer, and singer has ambitions to be on Broadway with the legendary Ziegfeld Follies. With the unexpected death of their father, a celebrated doctor in New York City, Celia’s plans are cut short when Elizabeth makes a promise to him to take care of her younger sister. Elizabeth convinces Celia to join her as a volunteer (VAD) in France. When the sisters arrive at Base Hospital 321 in Northern, France, nothing could have prepared them for the gruesome realities of trench warfare. Together, with fellow nurses, they struggle to save thousands of wounded Soldiers passing through Base, and Elizabeth quickly moves up the ranks to Head Nurse. At Base Hospital, we meet our core nurses, DOTTIE, GRACE, LAUREN, and SOPHIE, each with their own unique personalities. We also meet, LÉANDRE, a French Medic whose been serving in The Great War since it started. At first glimpse, Léandre is arrogant, and bitter about America’s late arrival in the war, and has little faith in women’s ability to practice medicine. He constantly questions Elizabeth’s ability as Head Nurse. When the two are sent to work together at a Casualty Clearing Station, (CCS) directly behind the Front Lines, we learn Léandre has a secret, and his hard exterior begins to crumble. Eventually, a passionate love affair between the two unfolds. Meanwhile, Celia yearns to return to New York City and blames her sister for making her rot among the injured and dead. Surprisingly, amidst her remorse, she proves to be a caring Voluntary Aide, (VAD) to the nurses and finds solace in singing to the Soldiers. When she discovers BEN, an African American Harlem Hell Fighter nearly frozen to death in the Supply Tent after an ambush, she rushes for help. Head Doctor at Base 321, DR. CALVIN is furious with Celia, “get him to the Contagious Ward immediately, he’s a Negro!” Horrified at Dr. Calvin, and seeing Ben has very little time, Celia finds her sister, and together, with the help of Léandre, they hide Ben and save his life. As Ben recovers, he and Celia find they have more in common than meets the eye and become entangled in a forbidden love they are forced to hide. When the war ends and the sisters return to Manhattan, to the start of the Roaring 20’s, nursing jobs are obsolete. The tables turn, and Celia forces Elizabeth to headline a sexy act with her at a speakeasy in Manhattan, The Jewel. Left with little choice, suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, (PTSD) and determined to help her sister get on Broadway, we see our heroines confront an entirely new set of problems, ambitions, desires, losses, and triumphs. The Great Forgotten captures the human connection to love and loss, and at its core, is a story about the unbreakable bond between two sisters.

Sold-out run, NYC Fringe Festival, 2015.

Sold-out NYC industry reading, 2017.

TV series slated for production this year, 2022.

“A compelling story.” Multiple Emmy Award Winner, Louise Gikow. 2015.

"The Great Forgotten was amazing. It's a wrenching and meaningful play.” Nora’s Playhouse supporter, 2018.

“The Great Forgotten is historic fiction at its best.” Broadway and Hollywood film actor, Stephen Singer, 2018.

The Great Forgotten was featured in, The Nora’s Playhouse Salon Reading, 2018, see here.

Follow The Great Forgotten FB page here