Age of Arousal examines gender turmoil
By Aaron Feldman
Lance Writer
October 31, 2007
 Age of Arousal, the University Players’ latest theatrical offering, premiered last Wednesday at Essex Hall theatre. The Friday showing was preceded by a panel discussion entitled “Odd Women: Critical Responses to Age of Arousal.” Although playwright Linda Griffiths was unable to participate due to a conflicting dental surgery, audience members were able to enjoy enlightening discussions by play director Deborah Cottreau, as well as by literary and cultural historian Christopher Keep.
The discussion detailed both the historical and political context of the play as well as the design process of the current production. The insights gained from attending the discussion certainly enhanced the enjoyment of the performance.
Age of Arousal takes place in 1885 London. At this time, women were only considered valuable in any capacity if they were married. A large population imbalance, however, meant that this would be all but impossible for nearly a million women.
“This imbalance,” Cottreau states in her Director’s notes, “helped to undermine the dominant ideologies surrounding notions of womanhood and to threaten the boundaries that divided the genders.” This gender turmoil serves as the launching point for much of the events in the play. Mary Barfoot (Darcey Giffin), a former suffragette, owns a school that teaches women the skills necessary to operate typewriters, allowing them to seek employment as typewriter girls, which in turn allows them to remain independent of men. Her school is put to the test when three sisters (Christine Carr, Katie Leamen, and Allie Boak), each tied to the conventional attitudes of the time in their own way, seek her tutelage.
Events are even further complicated when Rhoda (Stephanie Carpanini) Mary’s assistant and, more importantly, lover begins to find she has feelings for Mary’s cousin Everard (Alex Crowther), who in turn is engaged in a liaison with the youngest of the three sisters.
For the most part, the play is quite effective. Walking into the theatre, the first thing I noticed was the complicated and intricate set, drawing heavily on the impressionist style. It serves the play well, not only emphasizing the mood, but also by being able to incorporate the many (14, according to Cottreau) different locations in the play. Also, the performances are especially enjoyable, from Carr’s slapstick portrayal of the often-drunk Virginia Madden to Carpanini’s quiet intensity as she deals with overwhelming pressure on all sides, from all characters.
Less universally effective, however, is the use of “thought speak” in the play. Thought speak occurs when the characters speak their thoughts aloud. While at times this technique is used to great success (most of these instances involving Crowther, who jumps from inner to outer thoughts seamlessly), at other times the use of thought speak seems unnecessary, even distracting.
Age of Arousal is recommended to anyone interested in a challenging play with engaging performances and a high production value.
Age of Arousal runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4. Tickets are $17 to $19. For more information, call 519-253-3000, ext. 2808 or visit universityplayers.com.
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