Why us why now
This production unites a powerhouse creative team uniquely equipped to navigate the play shift from high-brow satire to visceral black comedy, led by seasoned performers, Liam Craig and Nealy Glenn. The cast possesses the technical Shakespearean precision and comedic timing necessary to anchor the play’s volatile power struggle. Directed by Evan Zes, written by Mark Blankenship and produced by Melle Powers, this team offers a sophisticated lens on the intersection of classical theatre and modern psychological conflict.
In 2026, the battle over truth and intellectual agency has never been more critical. The Lady Doth Protest is an urgent exploration of whose voice is deemed "expert" and the dangerous fragility of those who use tradition as a weapon to maintain control. It is a story that needs to be told today because it exposes the terrifying moment when "civilized" discourse collapses into a raw struggle for survival.
MEET THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM *
MARK BLANKENSHIP - Playwright
Mark Blankenship is a multifaceted journalist and critic with a 25-year career specializing in theater, pop culture, and food. His insightful work has appeared in The New York Times, Variety, NPR, and Playbill, and he recently authored the Broadway souvenir books for Gypsy and Oh, Mary!. An innovative digital storyteller, Mark has created podcasts for iHeartRadio Broadway, SDC, and the Thornton Wilder Estate.
As a playwright, he wrote the dark comedy Thy Lady Doth Protest, which is debuting at New York’s 59E59 and the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also developing a new musical with Grammy-nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd. Currently, Mark serves as the Nashville Bureau Chief for the James Beard Award-winning magazine The Food Section and Senior Editor of Modern Vintage News.
Mark is a current professor at Yale’s David Geffen School of Drama and also holds an MFA from their program. Mark also famously appeared on Jeopardy! (where he didn’t win) and Name That Tune (where he did). Discover his work at BlankenshipProjects.com.
LIAM CRAIG - Actor
Liam Craig is a veteran of stage and screen, holding an MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Known for intellectual rigor and chameleon-like versatility, Craig has built a distinguished career at the intersection of classical theater and contemporary film and Television.
On the New York stage, his Off-Broadway credits include Two Noble Kinsmen at The Public Theater, Aunt Dan and Lemon with The New Group, and Juno and the Peacock at Roundabout Theatre Company. A master of Shakespearean canon, he has performed in Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and Antony and Cleopatra at The Old Globe and appeared on Broadway in the hit Boeing-Boeing. Craig is also a champion of new work, notably appearing in the world premiere of The Book of Will at the Denver Center.
His screen work ranges from Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums to the atmospheric series Ripley. A familiar face in television, Craig has guest-starred in Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, and the Law & Order franchise.
Nealy Glenn - Actress | Playwright
Nealy Glenn is an accomplished actress and writer with over 20 years of experience across New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. A graduate of the NYU Tish graduate acting program, her classical training is highlighted by her performance of Sylvia and William Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona at South Coast Rep. Glenn's extensive television career includes guest roles on Law and Order SVU, Third Watch, as well as starring alongside Marcia Gay Harden in the mini-series, Guilty Hearts for CBS.
As a writer, Glenn has successfully sold the thriller Mistaken to Sony and the drama Slipknot to Relativity Media in collaboration with Stephen Hauser. She recently finished her short film, The Wall of Death, which she wrote, acted, and directed, as part of a 36-series that reframes the history of women through the 36 Dramatic Situations of French philosopher Georges Polti. This project bridges philosophy and cinema, transforming ancient storytelling structures into a modern, comprehensive record of the female journey. Her film “The Manners of Madness” is being produced by Swington, with hopes of a 2027 release.
EVAN Zes - Director
Evan Zes is a multifaceted veteran of the stage and screen, holding an MFA from the A.R.T./Moscow Art Theatre at Harvard University. His career is defined by high-wire versatility, moving seamlessly between the classical canon and contemporary world premieres on the world’s most prestigious stages.
On Broadway, Zes recently appeared in the acclaimed production of The Kite Runner and starred as Professor Plum in the hit production of Clue. His extensive Off-Broadway credits include leading roles at The Signature Theatre (Incident at Vichy), The Irish Repertory Theatre (London Assurance, Man and Superman), and The Mint (Days to Come). Internationally, he has performed at the Barbican in London and the Moscow Art Theatre, while his regional credits span The Goodman, The Old Globe, and McCarter Theatre.
Beyond acting, Zes is an award-winning writer and solo artist. His hit one-man play, Rent Control, earned "Best Solo Show" at the New York International Fringe Festival and enjoyed successful runs at the Soho Playhouse and theaters worldwide. His screen presence is equally robust, with recent credits including Only Murders in the Building, The Blacklist, and The Path.
MELLE POWERS - Producer
Melle Powers is a New York-based artist and founder of Joy Powered Productions. A graduate of the NYU Tisch Graduate Acting Program (MFA), she has built a distinguished career at the intersection of performance, production, and cultural advocacy.
On stage, Powers is recognized for her work in acclaimed Off-Broadway productions, including Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine and Old Friends at Signature Theatre. Her screen credits feature high-profile series such as The Blacklist, Power, and Law & Order, along with a notable recurring role on the cult classic Chappelle’s Show.
Beyond the spotlight, Powers is a sought-after Cultural Dramaturg and Creative Strategist. She served as a consultant for the Broadway revival of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and is the founder of Powerful Communications. As Creative Director of The Makegood Project, she leverages her theatrical background to foster human-centered strategy across the arts and corporate sectors.
Contact us
Have thoughts about the play, need press info, or curious about mounting a production? We want to hear from you! Drop us a line with your questions, ideas, or interest in a run, and we’ll get back to you soon — likely with great enthusiasm and maybe a pun.