Culture
OU Division of Theater Opens ‘Top Girls’ Nov. 2
By: Natalie Colarossi
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Ohio University’s Theater Division will begin its second production of the fall season with Top Girls from Nov. 2–4 and 8–11 in the Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater, Kantner Hall. OU student admission is free with a valid ID, non-OU students and senior tickets are $7, and general admission is $10.
Top Girls was written in the ’80s by British playwright Caryl Churchill as a drama exploring themes of success, power, feminism, and politics.
It chronicles the life of a ruthless career-driven woman named Marlene as she manages a promotion and her idea of success in a patriarchal society.
The play examines different ideas of feminism while discussing its relationship to British politics and ideals. It often refers to Margaret Thatcher, then Prime Minister, and delves into the political influence of life on society.
Additionally, Top Girls explores perspectives of women throughout history, and focuses on maternity, ambition, and poverty.
Churchill was well known for her interest in politics, and has explored themes of sexual exploitation, power, and feminism in other works.
Since its debut in 1982, the play was well-received by critics and playwrights alike, becoming a popular production to re-appear on Broadway and in theaters around the world.
In a 2002 article by The Guardian, Critic and Playwright Mark Ravenhill is said to have called Top Girls “The best play of the past 20 years.”
In addition, in 1983 the play won the Village Voice’s Obie Awards (off Broadway awards) for playwriting, directing and ensemble performances for both the original British cast and the American cast that replaced it.
Ohio University’s production of Top Girls will be directed by Allison Epperson for her M.F.A. thesis project as the culmination of her degree in the Professional Director Training Program at Ohio University.
The student cast includes Erika Gellner, Daisy Bentley, Kristin Conrad, Summer Finley, Lauryn Glenn, Perri Olson, Carlie Meyers, Liv Wilson and Evie Weir.
The show will run at 8 p.m. each night, and talk-backs with the cast will take place on Nov. 4 and Nov. 8.