As a woman, is a successful career worth losing relationships with family and friends? Is rising to the top of a company worth losing yourself? These questions challenge the female cast in SMU’s production of the 1982 play Top Girls.
Directed by the brilliant professor Rhonda Blair, the show begins with a dinner party hosted by Marlene (Morgan Garrett), a distinguished British businesswoman. Marlene’s guest list boasts an array influential woman including historical figures such as the 19th century explorer Isabella Bird (Ariana Howell) and the Japanese concubine-turned-nun Lady Nijo (Heather Arney). Also joining Marlene at the table is Dull Gret (Kaysy Ostrom), a subject of a famous painting that portrays the depths of hell, a character from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Patient Griselda (Alejandra Flores) and the mythical female Roman ruler, Pope Joan (Sarah Rutan).
As the dinner unravels, these women share their tragic stories of sacrifice for power or sacrifice for survival in a world dominated by men. Featuring outstanding monologues from the cast, this scene, through utilization of historical figures, traces women’s struggle for authority in society back in time and sets the stage for four subsequent acts centering on Marlene’s struggles in the 1980s.
Acts two through five focus on Marlene’s climb up her company’s ladder and the day-to-day lives of her female employees trying to find meaning in a system where promotion seems impossible. The story takes place during Margaret Thatcher’s reign as the first female Prime Minister, which encourages the women of a brighter future even though their circumstances do not parallel Thatcher’s success. As the story unfolds, Marlene’s dedication to her career overpowers her reason in her relationships with Joyce, her cynical sister, and her niece, Angie. When Angie leaves home to live with her aunt, Marlene’s true colors peak through her composed and cordial exterior.
The show ends with a flashback of Marlene visiting Joyce and Angie that spotlights a dispute between Marlene and Joyce over the choices Marlene has made for power and the ramifications those defining decisions left behind. Even though Thatcher experienced widespread success as an influential woman, Top Girls shows what happens behind the curtain of one seemingly accomplished woman’s life.
The direction from Professor Blair and the cast’s performances shined in SMU’s portrayal’s of Top Girls. Sarah Rutan was especially powerful as Pope Joan and nailed her performance as Joyce as well. The disagreement between Joyce and Marlene was heartbreakingly raw and impactful thanks to solid performances from Rutan and Morgan Garrett. Scenic Designer Sarah Brown and Costume Designer Hunter Dowell impressed as well and captured the feel of the early 80s through the minimal yet characteristic set and careful clothing choices.
You can see Top Girls at the Margo Jones Theater in the Owen Arts Center tonight and tomorrow night at 8:00 and Sunday at 2:00 and 7:30. Tickets are $7 for students and staff and can be purchased at the Meadows ticket office or online at meadows.smu.edu.
