Allentown, Pa. (Sept. 13, 2018) — "Machinal," Sophie Treadwell's lyrical, ephemeral drama about a young woman's drastic efforts to escape from a desperate situation, kicks off Muhlenberg College's mainstage theatre season this fall.
"'Machinal' is the story of a young woman struggling, in increasingly desperate ways, for freedom in a male dominated society which demands her constant submission," says Lou Jacob, director of the production and this year's Muhlenberg Baker Artist-in-Residence.
The play runs Sept. 27-30, in the Baker Theatre in Muhlenberg's Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance.
Based on the true story of the 1928 murder trial of Ruth Snyder, "Machinal" was written almost immediately after the trial concluded. Treadwell covered the trial as a journalist, and was among the first playwrights to meld journalism with dramatic writing.
"The play brings individuality to the real-life case that may have silenced this woman, that may have just characterized her in the stereotypical way history remembers women," says Julia Baker '19, who plays the unnamed young woman at the center of the story.
"Sophie Treadwell is a fascinating woman, and she herself is part of the reason why I'm excited to bring the play to Muhlenberg," Jacob says. "She was far ahead of her time as a passionate suffragette, as an advocate for birth control rights and women's sexual freedom and expression."
Treadwell has only recently been accorded a place in the American dramatic canon. While "Machinal" was well received in its original production, Jacob says the play and the playwright fell into obscurity through the latter part of the 20th century — only recently finding an audience that appreciates their value. "Machinal" is by far Treadwell's most famous and commonly produced play.
"The play inspired generations of playwrights and theatre makers with its style and hybrid of journalistic realism and a hyper-theatrical structure," Jacob says.
Jacob comes to Muhlenberg from the New School College of the Performing Arts, where he created the Bachelor of Fine Arts theatre program. He is the award-winning director of dozens of professional theatre productions, including the world premiere of Sam Shepard's "The God of Hell," starring Tim Roth and Randy Quaid. He is also a member of the Tony Awards Nominating Committee.
Jacob's position as this year's Baker Artist-in-Residence will also include teaching several theatre Muhlenberg courses, as well as public symposia and presentations this fall.
"Lou is a treasure," Baker says. "He brings a kind of new perspective to things."
"I really appreciate Lou's directing style in the sense that he gives us the final say," says Griffin O'Connor '19, who plays the young woman's husband. "He provides an outline, and he lets us fill in the details."
Jacob says the respect is mutual.
"Muhlenberg students are incredible to work with—highly motivated, talented, curious, and very brave," he says. "I'm so grateful for how generous and welcoming people have been to me."
The cast of 15 delves into challenging subject matter over the course of the play, which spans six years in the life of its protagonist. "Machinal" contains implied instances of sexual assault, and is recommended for mature audiences.
"It will definitely set off some explosions," says Christian Gutierrez '19, who plays the young woman's lover. "There's material in the show that will make for some great conversations on campus."
Jacob says the play feels surprisingly contemporary for something written nine decades ago.
"The play is emotionally charged—real and felt and utterly prescient," Jacob says. "It's certainly about the 1920s, but it has some interesting things to say about our current moment, which is not entirely unlike the 1920s."
"Machinal" (pronounced MA-shin-all, according to Treadwell's preference) plays Sept. 27-30. Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Regular admission tickets are $15. Tickets for youth and LVAIC students and staff are $8. "Machinal" is recommended for mature audiences.
Tickets can be purchased online at muhlenberg.edu/theatre or by phone at 484-664-3333. Performances are in the Baker Theatre in Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance, Muhlenberg College, 2400 West Chew St., Allentown.