George Bernard Shaw’s Chaotic Farce
While Glover’s plays are grounded in reality, Shaw’s Press Cuttings is a little more heightened. The piece explores a world in which the suffrage movement leads to total chaos – and the only way to shut it down might be pure violence from the military. Shaw’s play takes a different look at politics, and a woman’s role in that world. While some women might believe that their voice would be better heard if they have a place in Parliament and the vote, others find that their perspectives are better heard through whispering into the ear of a man in leadership. The inclusion of this particular play in the night offered a nice contrast to Glover’s work, inviting us to learn about various perspectives at play in 1913 London.
Including three plays in the night is a fun idea, and allows the opportunity to explore various perspectives and questions. This writer wondered if the size of the project created a bit of an obstacle for the team - preventing them from taking the time needed on the various aspects of the production. As a result, some elements felt a little under rehearsed or unspecific. Regardless, if you are someone (like this writer) who follows art exploring this particular political moment, this could certainly be a festival for you.
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Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.
WTF….a scream fest!…especially the dialogue between the general and orderly. Where is the director? It was akin to listening to Brahms Lullaby performed at march tempo, and fortisimo volume.