Top Girls by Caryl Churchill

When Top Girls first debuted it was a groundbreaking feminist play, winning an Obie Award in 1983. Thirty seven years later playwright Caryl Churchill’s work still resonates relevance as gender stereotypes and inequities have not vanished. Society still expects females to be selfless caretakers who sacrifice their own goals, desires, and ambitions for the greater good of others. The public square is filled with voices clamoring to regulate a women’s personal choices about her body, motherhood, relationships, and vocation. The play opens as Marlene, having just received a promotion at work, throws herself a surreal and celebratory dinner party. In attendance are a cacophony of deceased female heroines come to wish her well, sharing their own stories of success and sacrifice. When Marlene returns to her reality in acts 2 and 3, her co-workers, family, and acquaintances are all reminiscent of these dinner guests. Churchill’s witty dialogue leaves the audience simultaneously laughing and gasping at the ridiculous horror of Marlene’s reality as a “Top Girl.” Top Girls is directed by Salem State theatre professor Julie Kiernan. A Prelude conversation will take place Thursday, December 5 at 6:30 pm. For access and accommodation information, visit salemstate.edu/access