Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale is a moving and thought-provoking period play that delves into the hardships faced by young women at a college where they’re seen as overly political simply for wanting degrees.
This production, being performed at WHS this week, is set in 1896 at Girton College in Cambridge, where a group of headstrong women work diligently in their studies to prove themselves academically — even surpassing their male counterparts. Yet, despite their efforts, they are denied equal recognition; while the men graduate with degrees, the women are left with nothing other than the earmark of being a ‘blue stocking’—an unnatural, educated woman. The play is ultimately meant to remind us that the true value lies not with a piece of paper, but with the knowledge and lessons that one can gain through the pursuit of learning.
The play’s powerful storytelling through the eyes of young women pays homage to those before us who fought for women’s rights. This production invites the audience to reflect on how far our society has come, but also to acknowledge how much fight remains for gender equality not only in the educational sphere, but in all spaces.
English Teacher and Director Daniel Devlin stated, “Shakespeare said that we’re supposed to hold a mirror up to our world so people can see the ridiculous things that we’re doing. And that’s exactly why we’re doing the show.”
Senior Madeleine Smith, who will play the role of Miss Blake, said, “We’re not necessarily fighting for suffrage now, but it’s still a fight every day. I hope this play will motivate people to continue fighting for what they believe in and what is right.”
From costumes to set design, the WHS cast and crew has worked tirelessly to create a meaningful and authentic production. Senior and head of lighting crew Chris DePinto said, “There’s a lot that goes into the thought process in terms of how to create mood with lights and even how to create some resemblance of period accuracy, because it is a show set in 1896.”
The dedication from the entire crew ensures that the performance will not only have a deep emotional impact, but it will be one that captures the historical setting.
Emphasizing the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, Devlin stated, “Things right now are super challenging in the theater department because it’s only me… so the students and I are building the set. We’re doing everything by ourselves.”
WHS opened Blue Stockings on Nov. 20 and will continue with performances on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at wpsvpa.booktix.com. Whether you are a theater enthusiast, a supporter of WHS or someone who enjoys a powerful story, this production promises a night of inspiration.