By Elyse Trevers
Margaret, played by Kathleen Chalfant, sets the mood by going through a litany of issues she has with our present-day government and, specifically, the president.
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Don’t I wish we were in Denmark.”
She continues to enumerate the weaknesses and problems, and, sadly, the list seems endless. As she goes on, she gets angrier and angrier, finally threatening to set herself on fire at the White House.
“Women on Fire: Stories from the Frontline,” is written by Chris Henry based upon true stories she collected from anonymous sources. Directed by Henry and Lorna Ventura, the 75-minute show was first presented in 2018 and has now been updated and has returned for a limited run.
A Royal Family Production, the show features a rotating cast led by Chalfant. The star-studded cast of women includes Andréa Burns, Gina Naomi Baez, Alysia Reiner, Laila Robins, Constance Shulman, Maddie Corman, Judy Gold, Julie Halston, Steffanie Leigh, Cynthia Mace, Gargi Mukherjee, Lianah Sta. Ana, and Ashley Williams (based on availability). The dance ensemble features Samantha Butts, Emily Anne Davis, Erica Misilo, and Mariah Reive.
Throughout the presentation, a group of graceful lithesome dancers moves about the performance space. With choreography by Lorna Ventura, sometimes the dancers serve as background, sometimes participants.
One by the one, the actresses come forward, each clutching her script which she later tosses into a metal container. Every woman tells a story, but generally, the tone of the production is liberal and anti-Trump. For the most part, Henry is preaching to the choir. A slight attempt is made to create balance when one woman discusses why she is anti-abortion and another describes her American life in Maine, raising her four daughters. However, if you aren’t a Democrat or walk in wearing a MAGA hat, you may find the entire production extremely uncomfortable.
I participated in the first two Women’s Marches and they were inspiring bonding experiences, and we participants felt like we did something and made a statement. I feel pained each morning when I hear the news, so “Women on Fire” should have resonated with me. Although I agreed with much of what was said, I found myself strangely unmoved, not at all angry.
Henry, herself, was so angry hearing the news in 2016 that she screamed and felt moved to share her feelings by putting together this show. The share was a beginning but I wish she had offered the audience something more – an outlet perhaps. Like Henry, “I’m mad as hell,” but Henry hasn’t offered any suggestions. I’m sending out letters urging people to vote. At least that’s something.
