The Stepmother (by Githa Sowerby)

July 22, 2019

THE STEPMOTHER by Githa Sowerby from 1924 tackles the tensions of female independence in a patriarchal society. This recently rediscovered play has been seen in London but, as far as we know, this will be its New York premiere. The plot follows a young woman fighting to create a life for herself. Here’s an extremely rare opportunity to see one of the most important steps in women’s rights as presenting on stage. Sowerby was greatly influenced and encouraged by Shaw!

Directed by Kathy Gail MacGowan

These script-in-hand all-star readings are always sold out.

OUR GLORIOUS CAST:
Lois Relph Gaydon … Rachel Pickup
Eustace Gaydon … Victor Slezak
Peter Holland … Steve Hauck
Monica Gaydon … Lindsay Ryan
Betty Gaydon … MaryKate Harris
Mr. Bennet … Bill Kux
Cyril Bennet … Jordan Ahnquist
Charlotte / Mrs. Geddes … Patti Perkins

“Githa Sowerby (6 October 1876 – 30 June 1970), though unknown in this country, took London by storm with her revolutionary Rutherford and Son, and was a much celebrated English playwright, children’s book writer, and powerful member of the Fabian Society. A feminist and human rights activist, Shaw was a huge fan and very much encouraged her to write The Stepmother, a highly entertaining play about a woman finally standing up to male entitlement.” – David Staller

“The Stepmother” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Each month, Project Shaw brings you either one of Shaw’s scintillating plays or a play by those who shared his ‘art as activism’ view of life. This is the acclaimed staged reading series that has been playing to sold-out crowds for the last 13 years!

“Gingold Theatrical Group provides an invaluable — and unique — service to New Yorkers. Not only does it keep topnotch productions of great works of art before the public on a regular basis as no other theater company can, but it also does something less obvious. It keeps the tradition of intelligent argument, embodied in Shaw’s plays but otherwise much lacking from public discourse, alive for those who need it most: the thinking people of a great city.” — Jesse Green, New York Magazine.

Unique Script-In-Hand Performances!