The evening, opening Feb. 23, features works by women writers of the Prohibition era, including Gertrude Stein, Dorothy Parker, Sophie Treadwell and Susan Glaspell.
The American Century Theater's associate artistic director Steven Scott Mazzola created a new production to give attention to work that was not promoted by the establishment. "Many of America's best playwrights had their work shackled by a theatrical establishment that disdained female authors…[but] they persevered nonetheless with talent, wit, and courage," according to production notes.
Drama Under the Influence is the latest installment of TACT's "Reflections" series, featuring new works that explore important figures, events or movements of the 20th century. This collection of eight plays explores all three.
The plays include: Eye of the Beholder by Sophie Treadwell, whose masterpiece Machinal was a sensation for TACT audiences three years ago; Susan Glaspell's Trifles and Suppressed Desire; Eulalie Spence's Hot Stuff; Rita Wellman's For All Time; Dorothy Parker's Here We Are; and Gertrude Stein's Photograph.
"It is our culture's tragedy that we didn't make it easier for these women's plays to get noticed and produced, but The American Century Theater will do what it can to right that wrong," said Jack Marshall, TACT artistic director, in a statement. Mazzola's cast, all playing multiple parts, is led by TACT veteran Mary McGowan, last seen in The Autumn Garden. Joining her are TACT vets William Aiken, Colby Codding, Steve Luebens, Jay Tilley and TACT newcomers Gabriela Fernandez Coffey, Tanera Hutz, Lauren Krizner, Kate McCann, Jennifer Robison and Ellen Young.
The creative team includes set designer Beth Baldwin, sound designer Ian Armstrong, costume designer Jennifer Tardiff, lighting designer Marc Wright and prop designer Eleanor Gomberg. Karen Currie is the stage manager.
Drama Under the Influence opens Feb. 23 at Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 South Lang Street in Arlington, VA. Performances continue to March 24.
For information call (703) 553-8782 or visit www.americancentury.org.
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The American Century Theater is a 501 (c) (3) professional nonprofit theatre company "dedicated to production great, important and neglected 20th century American plays and playwrights."
