Beauty By Jane Martin Full __full__ Text Jun 2026

"Beauty" is a thought-provoking play written by Jane Martin, an American playwright and poet. The play, which premiered in 1978, is a scathing critique of societal beauty standards and the objectification of women. Through a series of vignettes, Martin explores the complexities of beauty, identity, and the human condition.

Carla now has the face and body of a supermodel, but inside, she is still Carla. Bethany now has the brain of a writer but is trapped in Carla's "average" body. In a devastating final twist, we realize neither is happy. Carla, now beautiful, stares at her reflection and finds she still has nothing to say because her wit was born from her insecurity. Bethany, now brilliant, can write profound stories—but she cries because no one will look at her.