Machinal
By Sophie Treadwell
April 2016
The Latvian Society Theater
A haunting journey into the female psyche.
The 1928 premiere of this remarkable drama by Sophie Treadwell was the pinnacle of American Expressionism and permanently transformed theater in our country. Inspired by the real life of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, this feminist masterpiece receives bold new life through the distinctive vision of director Brenna Geffers.
Creative Team
Brenna Geffers … Director
Thom Weaver … Production Designer
Rebecca Kanach … Costume Designer
Kyle Yackoski … Sound Designer
Eric Baker … Production Manager
Stephanie Sintef … Stage Manager
Eric Baker … Production Manager
Dave Garrett Saraffian … Production Photos
Cast
MK Tuomanen … Young Woman
Ross Beschler … Husband
Lee Minora … Telephone Girl
Colleen Corcoran … Mother
Chris Anthony … Lover
Carlo Campbell … First Man
Steve Wright … Ensemble
Kirsten Kunkle … Ensemble
Shamus Hunter McCarty … Ensemble
About Sophie Treadwell
Sophie Anita Treadwell (October 3, 1885 – February 20, 1970) was an American playwright and journalist of the first half of the 20th century.
She is best known for her play Machinal which is often included in drama anthologies as an example of an expressionist or modernist play. Treadwell wrote dozens of plays, several novels, as well as serial stories and countless articles that appeared in newspapers. In addition to writing plays for the theatre, Treadwell also produced, directed and acted in some of her productions.
The styles and subjects of Treadwell's writings are vast, but many present women's issues of her time, subjects of current media coverage, or aspects of Treadwell's Mexican heritage.