Grappling with the past while living in the present. These themes are seen in Theatre Incognita’s production of the classic Tennessee Williams play The Glass Menagerie.
The play debuted in 1944 and was Williams first major success — a stepping-stone to becoming one of America’s most regarded playwrights.
“It’s based somewhat on his own childhood,” said this production’s director, Ross Haarstad. “It's four characters: a son, a daughter, a single mother raising them and a friend who is a gentleman caller who shows up in the second act to meet the daughter.”
The Glass Menagerie is a memory play told through the lens of the son, Tom Wingfied.
“I think things aren't as they seem,” said Haarstad, noting this as a hallmark of several of Williams’ plays. “I think it plays into the idea that families have such needs from each other. That sometimes we get pushed to the margins in trying to be the good son, trying to be the good daughter, trying to be the mother who is going to take care of everything.”
Theatre Incognita’s production of The Glass Menagerie can be seen in Ithaca at the Community School of Music and Arts on May 4-5 and May 9-12. Evening shows start at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.
