Newmarket Public Library and Shadowpath Theatre present online play ‘Trifles’

Written in 1916 and regarded as an early feminist drama, ‘Trifles’ will be performed Oct. 1

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 15, 2020
Lorne Chase

For many in the theatre world the pandemic has curtailed the ability to hold productions safely in indoor venues. Shadowpath Theatre Productions has held events in many different spaces in the past: restaurants, cafes, wineries, parks, Pfaff Audi Newmarket, Newmarket’s Old Town Hall, and Newmarket Public Library.

Now the library and Shadowpath are teaming up to present a free one-act play reading online.

“We want to reach out to the community to provide some entertaining theatre during a time when it is difficult to do so at in-person venues,” says Alex Karolyi, Shadowpath’s artistic director. “We’ve always worked in alternative spaces in the community so offering a play reading online will be another way to connect with theatre enthusiasts.”

Shadowpath will be performing the classic mystery play “Trifles,” written in 1916 by American Susan Glaspell. The play is about two women who solve the murder of Mr. Wright while looking for clues in the now abandoned farmhouse he shared with his wife. Regarded as an early feminist drama, “Trifles” deals with gender issues at a time when women didn’t even have the right to vote in the U.S.

Glaspell herself was a playwright, novelist, journalist and actress. She is recognized as America’s first modern female playwright, and her play Alison’s House earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1930.

Bringing the play to life will be a talented group of professional performers from Shadowpath as well as local theatre enthusiasts who are part of Shadowpath’s Classic Play Reading Club and have volunteered to participate in this online “enhanced play reading.”

In addition to in-person events, Shadowpath’s performers have had great success with episodic podcasts. They also hold play workshops for the public. Karolyi herself is an accomplished playwright and producer who has received many awards for her work.

“It’s a tough time for live theatre at the moment and the library is pleased to be able to partner with Shadowpath to provide this entertaining experience,” says Todd Kyle, the library’s CEO.

Trifles will be presented live by Shadowpath in a free online performance on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. You can register now.

Lorne Chase is the marketing and communications coordinator at Newmarket Public Library. Visit the library’s website at www.newmarketpl.ca.