When you find each other, you find me (Looking for Lilith)
Finding Lilith
Devised and Researched by Looking for Lilith Company Members
Directed by Kelly McNerney
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
“Lifting up unheard voices” has been the mission statement for Looking for Lilith for twenty-five years. Distinct and driven, it’s no wonder that this company chose a mythical figure, often ignored and even unknown, as their namesake. Inspired by the story of Lilith, the first woman in the Garden of Eden, Finding Lilith explores the misinterpretation of her lore, Lilith’s journey in exile and the founding of Looking for Lilith as a leader in the theatre community.
With a prologue and four movements, the play celebrates femme and femme presenting voices. Pulling from the Sumarian myth of Gilgamesh and the tree, Lilith was created for Adam yet banished after denying his advances. What follows are unflattering depictions: a snake, a witch, seductress and demon. Between moments of Lilith’s story, embodied with great empathy by Jennifer Thalman Kepler in the first act, the founding members re-enact Looking for Liliths conception and history. Shannon Woolley Allison, Trina Fischer and Thalman Kepler bring personal point of views on the difficulties and successes of starting a non-profit arts organization. From signing their official documentation in the wake of the September 11th attacks to representing diversity in a post-DEI world, this group has faced their share of challenges. With these accounts, Lilith’s story is seen with empathy and acceptance as her story transforms into a woman who broke barriers and proved that she is enough.
With a beautiful scenic design by Jill Marie Guelda, the round platform with hanging greenery induces an earthy flair with lunar aesthetic. Projections of the phases of the moon show progress throughout Lilith’s story. Movement work is constant throughout the show with clear, defined choreography that embodies the mood and tempo of the scene. References from the wide catalogue of Looking for Lilith productions are interspersed throughout, further proving the importance of these unheard stories.
Lilith takes different shapes through time and culture. She lands in a modern world of expectations too high to be met, double standards and much needed community. Five performers bring Lilith to life. As the Sumarian Lilith and later in witch form, Morgan M. Younge is deeply misunderstood with a thirst for justice. Ebony Jordan’s Lilith is an empowered and confident yet faces ridicule in the form of a seductress. Izzy Keel’s Snake variation is physical and sly while Allison’s Dame Donkey Legs is brash and fearless. Along with Thalman Kepler’s ethereal Demon mother, this ensemble of Lilith’s share a Chicago type tango. The lyrics are biting, creating a new spin on the six merry murderesses.
Eve also appears in Lilith’s tale. Tiera Bowman’s Eve is unsure of the world around her while channeling a passive submission. Bowman’s Eve finds confidence and companionship in the bond she creates with Lilith. Eve and Lilith take form as game show contestants in act two. Ebony Jordan’s Eve and Sara G.B. Canary’s Lilith just can not win as they compete to solve questions about presentation, careers and motherhood.
Lilith’s story is not widely known. Banished into exile and turned into a villain, Finding Lilith brings redemption to the first lady in Eden. As a result, a story that deserves to be heard is lifted up with profound admiration.
Finding Lilith
Looking for Lilith Theatre Company
October 17-25 2026
Kentucky Performing Arts Mex Theatre
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 584-7777
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