Machinal opens Feb. 20

The Cornell College theatre department’s production of “Machinal,” considered one of the greatest examples of Expressionist theatre, runs Feb. 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. in Kimmel Theatre. The show, written by Sophie Treadwell and directed at Cornell by theatre Professor Janeve West, premiered on Broadway in 1928 and was inspired by the 1927 murder trial and subsequent execution of Ruth Snyder.

For Helen Jones, a stenographer in the industrial, male-dominated world, life is nothing like she hoped it would be. She follows the rituals that society expects of a woman, however resistant she may feel about them. What unfolds is a gripping drama about the status of women in the machine of society, the torture of a loveless marriage and the result of living a life compressed. Costume design by resident costume designer, Jenny Nutting-Kelchen. Scenic design by guest designers Peggy and Paul Sannerud, lighting and projection design by Professor Scott Olinger. This production is intended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors/students/youth. Free for Cornell faculty, staff, and students with ID. On Saturday, Feb. 21 audiences are invited to return or remain in the theatre for a talk-back immediately following the production. The talk back will include the cast, crew, director and Cornell’s Director of Intercultural Life, Schvalla Rivera.

Tickets can be reserved by calling (319) 895-4293 or e-mailing Boxoffice@cornellcollege.edu. Reservations are strongly recommended.