Centenary’s theater department will hold performances of “Little Women” beginning Nov. 21 and running through Nov. 24. Tessa VanderKuy is an adjunct professor at Centenary and the director of the production. She’s excited to show audiences Kate Hamill’s unique adaptation of the original story by Louisa May Alcott.
“Rather than teaching women how to be women, and that sort of thing, Kate Hamill leans more into these girls’ flaws–because we all have them–and that we can all love each other, flaws and all,” says VanderKuy.
The play still follows the March family, but Hailey Chaisson, the Centenary senior playing Beth, says that this version is different because the characters embrace their flaws, rather than change them.
“In the original book, kind of, the message is that… like, ‘Yes, you’re a woman, little woman, and you're also a Christian, pious, puritanical woman,’” Chaisson says. “Whereas, in the play, they’re embracing their mistakes, embracing their flaws, their anger, and they’re taking that and they’re running with it.”
Chaisson says that she has had fun exploring the adaptation’s version of her character, the third and most quiet March sister.
“Like, just really discovering how deeply she really loves her family, and finding her small acts of rebellion has been really fun,” she says.
Chaisson explains that she thinks they are putting on the play at the right time. She says the play offers ideas that the typical crowd for “Little Women” won’t expect, but it is something they still need to see.
“Even though they’re fictional women, like, their strength is so beautiful, especially in this play and the way the actors are portraying them,” Chaisson says. “And, my mind keeps going back to, like, these descriptions of like, quiet resentment, joyful acceptance, and then, like, righteous anger. And, I feel like that really encapsulates a lot of women’s opinions, like, differing women’s opinions, and seeing that portrayed in the play in different ways has been really rewarding to see.”
Chaisson and VanderKuy say they are inspired by the play. Chaisson says the play represents women well.
“You should come see this play so you can understand how your mothers, your sisters, your girlfriends, your friends… feel in America,” Chaisson says. “And see not only how far this country has come, in terms of women’s rights and women’s roles, but how far it still has to go.”
VanderKuy says Hamill’s modern interpretation of the story is something anyone in the audience can connect with.
“I just think it’s really important especially for young women, and even really young men, because there are a couple of male roles in the play. Like, Laurie, who is a classic character talking about how he’s not very good at being a gentleman, but he still deserves respect and friendship and community just as much as anyone else,” VanderKuy says.
The original story is known for the closeness of the March sisters and the community they build around them. To VanderKuy, the sense of community can be seen in the production’s cast.
“It brings me a lot of joy to go into rehearsal and see them work together. Like, even when we’re not necessarily running a scene, everyone is sitting around and talking with each other, and we find moments to just share things about ourselves,” she says. “And I'm glad to be able to be a part of that community now.”
She also says that she feels comforted by the message of the play.
“Showing people that it’s more important to be true to yourself than please a lot of other people. It helps me a lot to see characters who don’t have to apologize for who they are,” VanderKuy says.
VanderKuy says people should see the play because it shows the importance of family, and she praises the cast for being able to portray this idea well.
“However much these girls fight with each other, they still come together with a lot of love and with a lot of joy, and I think there’s a lot of joy on the stage,” she says. “I think you’ll leave the theater with a really wonderful sense of joy and love in your heart and hopefully you’ll want to call your family.”
This is Alaina Atnip with Red River Radio News.