The department of theatre will present “Machinal” written by Sophie Treadwell and directed by Edward Isser, professor and chair of the theatre department, on Nov.1-3 and 8-10. Tickets are $7 for members of the Holy Cross community and $10 for the general public. Group rates are available, and Holy Cross faculty and staff are invited to attend the Nov. 1 performance at no cost. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at (508)-793-2496.

Helen Jones, the play’s protagonist, is trapped in a mind-numbing job and is continually pressured by societal expectations. After pursuing an extramarital affair, she journeys through marriage, motherhood and even murder, offering a frank discussion of female sexuality and patriarchy. “Many issues raised in Treadwell’s drama about the subjugation of women remain disturbingly pertinent today,” says Isser. “Issues of pay equity, the glass ceiling and women’s reproductive and health rights are still debated, almost a century after Treadwell wrote her groundbreaking play.”

The theatre department’s presentation of “Machinal” is a part of the College’s celebration of its 40th anniversary of coeducation. More information