Machinal

Less a 'feminist' play than a play about the human condition as a whole, Treadwell's 'Machinal' recalls the work of Ionesco, Strindberg and Pinter: the human being as pawn in a senseless and hellish society. The ending, in which Helen rebels against the abstract prayers of the jail's priest, recalls the conclusion of "The Stranger", although I would consider this a far superior work. By the conclusion we cannot help but feel for Helen, a shy but passionate woman rejected and imprisoned, essentially, by her dull husband, her needy mother, and her contemporaries. I can't say this is the most uplifting play I have ever read, but it is one of the most intense.

Having taught this play a number of times at the college level, I find it one of the most accessable examples of expressionism available in print. It's great to read while watching a film like Metropolis (Fritz Lang's expressionist masterpiece). In reference to an earlier review, the play may seem simple and mundane, but when read in its historical context (and when seen in a brave production) it's what theatre is all about... engaging, moving, and socially/politically active. The fact that it's by a woman and about a woman, in a period dominated by the male perspective, simply makes it more fascinating.

If only the Adding Machine did not overshadow this masterpiece, similar to Goodfellas overshadowing the much more deserving Miller's Crossing. No theatre library is complete without this evocative, fascinating play.

Being a student who has performed, and read, this play I strongly suggest it to others. This play is more than a simple examination of the feminist mindset in modern day society, but further a question of not only capital punishment, but also the logic and reasoning behind the motive to take a person's life. The expressionistic stlye of this piece makes it a unique work of literature and also provides a forum for open discussion on the issues of womens rights and multiple other issues. In deed this masterfully written piece is worth the time of any person who enjoys a work that is not only unique but compelling in its telling of the tale of a machine like society. I hope everyone reads this play and thinks about not only their role in society, but within their relationships as well.

This play is considered by many to be one of the finest dramatical works by a female author ever. It has been listed as one of the top one-hundred plays of all time by several organizations. In performance it is one of the most intense, frightening experiences an audience member can have, and one of my personal favorites. Truly a great play.