The memory play, “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams, discusses the duality of hope, and was known to be a sort of autobiography. The term “memory play” describes a play in which the lead character narrates the events as drawn from the character’s memory.
The play starts off with Tom Wingfield, played by Colin Sloan, wearing a black overcoat and a black beret. A costume direction, written by the playwright, showcases when the character has begun to narrate. He articulates this story in a humorous and embellished way, completely capturing his audience to not only witness his memory yet to live in it. The young protagonist, anti-hero, and narrator of the play is faced with an existentialist dilemma, while also taking in the consequences his choice of becoming a merchant sailor has thrown at him.
While discussing the importance of this play, Director Trevin Cooper said, “This play discusses those who dare to dream of hope after such a troubling time, after the pandemic it was important to showcase to people that they’re not alone.” Not only is Wingfield an impactful character, he is the representation of his generation.
This play, comprised of seven parts, is completely made up of symbolism, utilizing an expressionistic theatre style by using scenic elements to elevate the storyline. “I was blessed with a crew who was able to make it come to life,” said Cooper. Using lighting designs were crucial to creating an environment that felt real, while also being able to move the light to follow the actor during a monologue or dimming lights based on Tom’s hand movements. Looping the music in the background represents how music lingers in our mind, no matter what we’re thinking about.
Every set design was created to showcase what parts of Tom’s life were crucial to him. The dinners were a great example of this. Every cup that was presented contained liquids in it, as Tom was an alcoholic, so details like this were crucial to him. However, the food was never actually there, for it was only an illusion.
The symbolism of the characters was not as heavily shown, but is in every conversation, movement, and event. Tom’s sister, Laura Wingfield, played by Courtney Woods, spent her afternoon taking care of the glass menageries she received from her father, which reflected her own fragility through the eyes of society. When Laura and her gentleman caller, Jim O’Connor, played by Lorenzo Richardson, share a dance that ends in one of her favorite figurines breaking, this can show what her sickness (pleurisy) did to her, making her fragile.
Tom’s usage of movies causing him and his mother to argue can indicate something more than just the movies for him. Sloan states, “The movies insinuate he was experiencing his sexuality in private; he feels that he can’t be who he is around his family, so he handles his sexuality separately through bars and clubs at night.” The mother of Tom and Laura, Amanda Wingfield, played by Melanie Veazey, is said to be the most relatable character portrayed through her silly stories and undeniable love for her children. She wants a better life for her children. She wants them to be financially stable, which, to her, is the root of happiness.
The theater department did a wonderful job in portraying different versions of oneself through the memories of an individual. Be on the lookout for more spectacular performances from the theater department next fall.
Amanda Rodriguez is a staff writer at InMotion.