WILLIAM BLAKE’S:original image (above) was engraved on Mary Wollstonecraft’s book Original Stories from Real Life published in 1792.

Write what you know” is a maxim with which all writers are familiar. However, it is also one that is often misunderstood. Most perceive this old refrain as a reminder to write only about those people and situations with which you are personally familiar and have experience. I beg to differ.

When “write what you know” is most effectively utilized, the result is a piece of writing that comes from a deep place, not just the surface. It is not a simple reflection of media, but instead a genuine observation of the real thoughts, feelings and experiences of life—it means to write with authenticity. This is what playwright Doug Pendergrass has accomplished with his new work, “The Rights (and Wrongs) of Mary Wollstonecraft.” He has definitely written what he knows.

While penning his first full-length play, Pendergrass felt what he described as “a sense of duty and responsibility” to the subject of his piece. He notes in his program that “Mary has not been remembered and appreciated as well as she should have been.”

An unarguably important yet somehow little-known historical figure, the British philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft is known as the world’s first feminist writer. She published her best known work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792, in which she argued that women are not the inferior sex and are simply made to appear so due to lack of education. She imagined a social order founded on reason, rather than the gender roles that had been cut out by her society. Fearlessness and determination are the two qualities that Pendergrass feels his muse most wholly exemplified, and the two most outstanding characteristics with which he created her character.

Historical fiction has its own set of interesting challenges. In order to be believable, one must adhere to the conventions of the time period, including costume, dialect, posturing, mannerisms and body language. The cast and crew of “The Rights (and Wrongs)…” effectively immerses the audience into England 1797, while taking all of these factors into consideration. The world premiere on Thursday night was absent of the forgivable kinks that usually accompany a first-time performance.

Lighting, sound and scenic transitions combined seamlessly. As one has little idea of what to expect from a brand-new play, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the obvious amount of fine-tuning that has already gone into the piece. It appears historically accurate, while taking just the right amount of decisive artistic liberties, so as to create an engrossing story. The attention to detail and amount of care devoted by Pendergrass and director Steve Vernon is evident. Like many of the shows that are presented in Thalian’s Studio Theatre space, the story is centered on the characters and dialogue, not spectacle. An overall extremely strong cast brings the historic figures to life, placing the focus on the artfully crafted dialogue.

Most gratifying in the play’s representation of Wollstonecraft is that she is not painted as a man-eater. In fact the exact opposite is true, and the play beholds a touching love story. Melissa Stanley does a spot-on job of embodying Wollstonecraft, bringing to life the strength and intelligence of the philosopher, while also showing the vulnerability of a modern woman struggling in a feudal society, surrounded by both support and opposition.

Greg Oldeen also delivers a superb performance as William Godwin, Wollstonecraft’s love interest, portraying the slight awkwardness of an inexperienced bachelor. He nails both subtly humorous moments and those of tearful sorrow. As a pair, Stanley and Oldeen have great chemistry, showing their deep affection for one another, while still portraying the constrictive formalities of the time period. Their conversations show their willingness to challenge one another intellectually and emotionally, as well as what it means to have an “open relationship,” and whether this can truly be accomplished by a man and a woman.

“The Rights (and Wrongs) of Mary Wollstonecraft” is truly one of the strongest new plays that I have yet seen in Wilmington. It is humorous, romantic and educational (without seeming dry or preachy.) Don’t miss the chance to see this enjoyable new play.