English-language feminist plays are set to make their mark in Nicosia as two one-act works by Susan Glaspell are presented for the first time in Cyprus and Greece.
- English-language feminist plays are set to make their mark in Nicosia as two one-act works by Susan Glaspell are presented for the first time in Cyprus and Greece.
On October 24, 25, and 27, audiences will have the opportunity to engage with Glaspell’s significant contributions to feminist literature through a staged reading of Trifles and The People. The performances will be held at the Flea Theatre, featuring English dialogue accompanied by Greek subtitles.
The event promises to be an enriching experience, inviting viewers to delve into the themes presented in Glaspell’s work. A six-piece cast will bring these plays to life, including actors Chrissie Andreou Maroulli, Christos Grozos, Stavros Hachatryan, Christina Marouchou, and Stavros Patsia.
These productions reflect Glaspell’s status as a pioneering figure in the American feminist movement. Born in 1876, she was a playwright, novelist, journalist, and actress, leaving an indelible mark on 20th-century literature and theatre. Trifles, one of her most renowned works, is often hailed as the most frequently performed one-act play in America, while her play Alison’s House earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Feminist plays: The Story Behind Trifles
Trifles opens with the discovery of John Wright, found strangled in his sleep. His wife, Minnie, becomes the prime suspect, and the play unfolds the day after the murder. As the County attorney, the Sheriff, and two couples arrive at the remote farmhouse to investigate, the men focus on searching for evidence in the bedroom and barn. Meanwhile, the women, left in the kitchen, begin to uncover deeper insights into Minnie and John’s life, revealing the complexities of their relationship.
The People’s Dilemma
In contrast, The People shifts the narrative to a publishing house of the same name, where the staff anxiously await their publisher’s return from California. His mission: to secure funding essential for the magazine’s survival. The play captures the tension and uncertainty surrounding the fate of their publication, reflecting broader themes of ambition and the struggle for success.
Interactive Engagement with Audiences
The performances will also incorporate an interactive element, with a live-streamed show on October 25 followed by a Zoom discussion featuring members of The International Susan Glaspell Society. This engagement offers audiences a chance to delve deeper into the themes and context of Glaspell’s work, fostering a dialogue around her significant contributions to feminist thought.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the performances are priced at €15 and can be reserved by calling 97-638710. Each show begins at 8 PM, providing an excellent opportunity for those interested in theatre, feminism, and literature to come together and explore these thought-provoking works.
