Day 4 - And another play I had zero familiarity with. I'm really enjoying reading these completely new to me works - I have no preconceived notions, no idea of the casting, only that I am going on an adventure.
On to the work!
The Children's Hour - or as I would like to call it "The Crucible in a Classroom". Except that it was written 30 years before the Crucible. (1930s compared to 1950s)
This play is about a young women's boarding school, and this play's Abigail is named Mary. Mary is a troubled young woman who needs to get her own way - she does this by telling her socially powerful grandmother: "I saw the teachers getting busy!"
Needless to say this destroys the women and their life's work. To learn later that it was all a lie, well... it isn't possible to fix the damage is one way to say it. I won't spoil the ending for those that may want to read it, but you see parts of it coming.
The interesting deeper conversation this play brought up for me is that it's really about hidden demons at its core. What lies do we even tell ourselves to make it through the day?
Final Verdict: I really liked this play. I'd like to direct it (mental note!). It is reminiscent of The crucible and History Boys rolled into one and predates them both by a lot. The show is also based somewhat on true events.
Tomorrow's Play: Time to get a little funny after this dark show with The Woolworth Farce by Enda Walsh
As always, if you would like to make a suggestion of a play to read, leave it in the comments! If you would like to join me in reading, I'd love the company. #PlayADay4May
-Matt
On to the work!
The Children's Hour - or as I would like to call it "The Crucible in a Classroom". Except that it was written 30 years before the Crucible. (1930s compared to 1950s)
This play is about a young women's boarding school, and this play's Abigail is named Mary. Mary is a troubled young woman who needs to get her own way - she does this by telling her socially powerful grandmother: "I saw the teachers getting busy!"
Needless to say this destroys the women and their life's work. To learn later that it was all a lie, well... it isn't possible to fix the damage is one way to say it. I won't spoil the ending for those that may want to read it, but you see parts of it coming.
The interesting deeper conversation this play brought up for me is that it's really about hidden demons at its core. What lies do we even tell ourselves to make it through the day?
Final Verdict: I really liked this play. I'd like to direct it (mental note!). It is reminiscent of The crucible and History Boys rolled into one and predates them both by a lot. The show is also based somewhat on true events.
Tomorrow's Play: Time to get a little funny after this dark show with The Woolworth Farce by Enda Walsh
As always, if you would like to make a suggestion of a play to read, leave it in the comments! If you would like to join me in reading, I'd love the company. #PlayADay4May
-Matt
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