The Mount Holyoke News

Issue date: 12/10/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Ioulia Bespalova

Media Credit: Ioulia Bespalova

Media Credit: Ioulia Bespalova

“All art revolves upon the larger universal ideas and struggles. We are constantly rehashing the same questions, problems, issues. I picked the plays because they each have an extraordinarily complex vision of how to tell a story to expose an idea,” said Brooke O’Harra, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts.

The mentioned upcoming plays are “Trifles” and “A Quarreling Pair,” both directed by Professor O’Harra and staged by the theatre department of Mount Holyoke College. These plays promise to deliver poignant performances encompassing the issues of isolation and the relationships of women amongst themselves and with men.

“Trifles” is a one-act play written by American Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Susan Glaspell. It was first performed in Provincetown, Massachusetts at the Wharf Theatre in 1916, and revolves around two women who are trying to figure out how to commit and eventually cover up a murder.

“‘Trifles’ is an interesting play; it touches a lot of people by the way it portrays men and women and their relationships,” said cast member Vanessa Martinez, ’11. “It’s also a short play, (running for) about 40-50 minutes, so the play makes its point clear within a short amount of time.”

Bethel Vlahakis, ’10, said that initially she wasn’t too fond of “Trifles,” opting instead to be the assistant director rather than act in the play. However, the turning point for her was a particular kitchen scene that made her realize that this was more than just a feminist play. “These plays open up a lot of questions; even at rehearsals we always see something new. It’s going to be an emotional journey for each audience has their own reception (towards the plays),” she said.

Vlahakis also described “Trifles” as a still play, bursting with long pauses and silences. “For me, this pushes you to think. In “A Quarreling Pair,” however, there’s no time to breathe. So they (the two plays) balance each other out while dealing with similar themes of sisterhood and women’s relationships in the world,” she continued.

“A Quarreling Pair” was written by American writer and playwright Jane Bowles in 1945, featuring a fiery argument between two middle-aged sisters. Although it is a puppet play, Mount Holyoke’s version of “A Quarreling Pair” will be staged with live actors.

“That would be a big difference from how it was originally conceived,” said Professor O’Harra. “Our (version of Trifles) is a bit more tense and still than some more ‘realistic’ productions may be,” she added.

Professor O’Harra also asserted that “Trifles” and “A Quarreling Pair” should not be seen solely as feminist plays, but plays that deal with the heart of human emotion and seclusion.

“These plays ultimately aren't about gender. They are about isolation – an isolation that is in part a result of problematic gender paradigms. But the core stories are not actually about men versus women. So if the audience is thoughtful and receptive they will feel these pangs of isolation despite their gender,” she stated.

Cast member Angela Colson, ’10, also echoed the notion. “It’s not your typical feminist play, it’s not about females bashing the males; it’s about mutual respect.”

“We don’t hate men!” explained another cast member Hye Young Chyun, ’11, followed by peals of laughter from her fellow actors. “Yeah, we don’t hate men,” reiterated Vlahakis, “It’s just the system we don’t like.”

“Trifles” and “A Quarreling Pair” will be showing from Thursday to Sunday. Shows on December 10, 11 and 12 are at 8pm and the show on December 13 is at 2pm. Opening night on Thursday is free for MHC students but only 40 tickets are available. Call the Box Office at 538-2406 or email rookeboxoffice@gmail.com to make a reservation. Refreshments will be served after the play.

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