Trembling, shaking, gasping for air on a subway train on the way to work, Helen Jones suffers a panic attack. This opening scene of “Machinal” shocks the audience immediately.
The School of Theatre and Dance flourishingly illustrated mental health issues and the circumstances leading to Helen Jones’, played by Audrey Yang, trial for the murder of her husband and subsequent execution via electric chair.
The twisted tale of Helen Jones, wife to George H. Jones, played by senior Avery Flores, compelled the audience at the Black Box Theatre in the Stevens Building. This cultivating portrayal of loss, love, grief and madness displayed the physical and negative emotions of being trapped.
For women, a society that is meant to uphold the beliefs of what women should want and how they should be loved, reflects the cultural impact of the industrial revolution during the time set of this play.
The mind is an enemy in this art piece. The machine that is operating through all of the harmful environments driving the force of discernment throughout Helen’s relationships. Intriguingly moving, the pain is evident to the audience through interpretation of her internal battles.
The play is directed by Alexander Gelman and Assistant Director Elizabeth Karth. Vocal Coach Stanton Davis took an excellent position on the sounds of the Black Box, keeping the audience attentive and drawn to the play. Helen Jones embodied the character of a distressed wife to an unlovable figure of wealth.
By unraveling the double meaning of repetitive clicks, “mhmms,” and repetitive motions throughout the play, was to imitate the functions of a machine. The experience of women in 1928, when the play is set, was focused on submissive women urbanization and industrialization which reflects the internal conflict and depressing romanticizing of life.
Sean Williams, a junior philosophy major, had an emotional response to the pain portrayed in the play.
“While watching “Machinal” I felt a level of sorrow for Mrs. Jones,” Williams said. “Recognizing the circumstances she found herself in, marrying a man she doesn’t love and feeling trapped, then finding a man who represents freedom, autonomy and love, leading her to an action that assured her demise.”
King Johnson, a senior bachelor of fine arts and acting major, played Helen Jones’ love interest who initially gave her the idea to kill her husband. The initial relationship they had filled her need for a loving relationship.
Beyond the movement and thrilling emotions pouring from the cast members, the eerie lighting and smoke presentation cultivated the experience. The emotional grasp on the audience was chilling with the intensity to feel freedom, enough to make the audience sympathize with Helen murdering George with a glass bottle filled with stones.
This impressive performance highlights the importance of freedom and taking one’s wishes and desires seriously, especially surrounding love and marriage. This play was based on the story of Ruth Snyder, a 1928 woman convicted of murdering her husband and getting executed.
“Machinal” will have shows at 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available online and free for NIU students, $12 for non-NIU students, $18 for seniors 65 and over and NIU staff, and $20 for the general public.
