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Theater
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Wednesday, 18 November 2009 20:03 |
By K.D. Hopkins
On Saturday, November 14, two of my friends and I took a visit to the past. We settled into the theatre at North Park University to see a luminous production of Anne V. McGravie’s “WRENS.” The title is an acronym for Women’s Royal Navy Service that is the U.K. version of the WACS or WAVES.
This is the story of women being pressed into service and yet being detained by the mores and restraints of the society that awaits them when WWII ends.
This was a stunning production on many levels beginning with the cast.
There are many nuances to what we Americans call a “British accent.” Each of the talented actresses had to master the various dialects that broadcast her character’s class as well as station in life.
I felt transported by Ms. McGravie’s witty and frank dialogue. I had never seen a depiction of women in military service during WWII that didn’t involve a cavalcade of stars and a hastily arranged musical.
The cast looked as if they had stepped off of an MGM lot. The hair and makeup transformed them into classic beauties from the 1940’s. The action takes place in military housing off of the coast of Scotland. The set reflects the Spartan nature of life during wartime. Each lady has her teacup lined up over the coat pegs.
The perfunctory routines of the day take on a cloak of added protection when one of the ladies seems to be having a nervous breakdown. The military has often been explained as taking on a mass identity to project unity and increase the odds of victory over all enemies.
The characters real identities are most revealed when they are in their standard issue pajamas more than their uniforms of duty. They do become united when one of their own has been viciously attacked and makes a personal yet illegal and dangerous decision.
They pull together in spite of political and cultural differences with the common denominator of being women and knowing the limits on their sex.
Women didn’t have choices that were given society’s approval back then. Military service gave the illusion of freedom from the watchful eyes of parents, spouses, and convention. As always, reality intrudes and it makes for compelling drama in “WRENS.”
The cast is made up of North Park University students. Each of them is a standout in her role and I expect to see them in future productions all over Chicago. Robin Witt who has worked in for many top companies including Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Red Orchid directed this production.
I first met Anne McGravie at Ennui Café when her play was being produced about ten or so years ago. It was an example of the strange and wonderful serendipity that is Rogers Park. I have since gotten to know her better and experience her wry and sometimes devilish sense of humor.
Saturday was the closing night for this production and I was thrilled to finally get to see this play. If and when it is produced again, I recommend appending some time in the hangar with these wonderful, complex and strong women. Bravo Anne! |
