Acting with a woman's touch
MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer, 06/09/2004
From top, Doll Common (Susan Webb), Nell Gwyn (Mary Forester), Mrs. Marshall (Cyndi Hamill), and Mrs. Farley (Michon Hughes) in "Playhouse Creatures." Below, Mrs. Betterton (Billie Sue Thompson)
STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World
Play's stage pioneers faced many challenges
The story goes that Charles II was waiting a bit too long for the curtain to go up on a drama when he inquired, "Why is this play taking so long?"
"Juliet is shaving," an attendant told the king, prompting him to reply, "Let's have women on the stage," and thus began a theatrical revolution - a Restoration sensation, if you will.
In 1660, Charles II assumed the throne of England, ending the period of Puritan rule begun by Cromwell. With the beginning of the Restoration, long-forbidden entertainments like live theater were again made legal.
As these playhouses reopened, women were allowed onstage for the first time, ending the practice of young boys portraying female roles in plays. But while these new social and artistic freedoms meant progress for women, it certainly did not mean equality.
Aristocratic patrons saw the women as an exploitation opportunity; financial sharing in theater revenues was a boys-only club; and the ladies' public perception was something just above the level of prostitutes.
April De Angelis' play is based on five of the first women to act on stage in the Western world. They found that the novelty came with a price, said Jim Queen, who directs this Theater Club production that opens Thursday at the Nightingale Theater.
"They had to put up with the disdain and abuse of men, along with the audience coming to see the flesh" of these women, Queen said. "In presenting this, we're trying to see the parallels between these women breaking up the status quo of the 17th century, and then women today, who face balancing motherhood with careers and many other issues.
"It's not really a feminist play, but it says a lot about women back then as well as now. They have had to work hard."
That includes the efforts of the cast for this Theater Club production, which includes Mary Forester, Cyndi Hamill, Michon Hughes, Billie Sue Thompson and Susan Webb.
What have Queen and the ladies talked about in rehearsals for this character-driven production? In short, everything.
"We've talked about breakthroughs, about taking your chance, about making the best of what you have," the director said. "I thought, 'OK, this is a play about women. You're five women, I'm a man, why am I directing this play?' I found the reason is to enlarge my consciousness as well.
"I hope people realize how difficult it is for women in a world controlled by men. Specifically the 17th century, when it comes to the play, but I hope they make that connection to today. Yes, we've made strides, but anytime you're trying something new, it takes a long time to get it right."
PLAYHOUSE CREATURES
Who: Theater Club
When: 8 p.m. Thursday- Saturday, also 8 p.m. June 17-19
Where: Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth St.
Tickets: $8, may be reserved by calling 557-8012
Note: This play contains mature themes and strong language.