ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT

Sophie Anita Treadwell (October 3, 1885 – February 20, 1970) was an American journalist  and playwright of the first half of the 20th century. Her best known work, which we will read this month is Machinal which is often included in drama anthologies as an example of an expressionist or modernist play. In addition to writing dozens of plays and journals, she also wrote several novels, as well as serial stories and countless articles that appeared in newspapers. 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.

ABOUT THE PLAY

A young woman works as a low-level stenographer and lives with her mother. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them. She subsequently marries her boss, whom she finds repulsive. After having a baby with him, she has an affair with a younger man who fuels her lust for life. Driven to murder her husband, she is convicted of the crime and is executed in the electric chair.

JOIN PLAY DATE

Play Date is a monthly play reading activity aiming to spread awareness, and increase appreciation of playwrights and playwriting from around the world. Anyone is welcome to join, and read regardless of play reading or language skills. The session will be followed by a discussion led by a professional theatre artist to spark conversations about the themes, style, form, and current world issues related to the selected play.