Machinal: A story by Sophie Treadwell, based on the life of Ruth Snyder, a convict. The story of Helen Jones, a woman not quite living the American dream in the late 1920s. As her life progresses, she follows the rituals that society would expect of a woman at that time, despite her opposition to them. She is forced into marriage with her repulsive boss, in fear of losing her job as a stenographer and has a child. After her affair with a younger man, Helen is driven to murder her husband in a final act of defiance. She is then found guilty of homicide and is executed.
In December, a Year 10 ensemble was led by the wonderful Ms Willis to stage this play within three months. At first the cast had doubts: what’s the difference between Young Woman, Woman, and Woman 1 – how is this going to work?
But despite injury and illness in the cast and a missing flower on opening night, it was a great show, balancing both comedic moments of tomfoolery, and philosophical moments of self-conflict. It was an amazing experience, for all the cast and crew, and hopefully our audiences!
Find photos here.
Owen Pearse, Y10
