Newly formed theater troupe The Riveters is bringing Wendy Wasserstein's Uncommon Women and Others to Cite des Arts this month.
Newly formed theater troupe The Riveters is bringing Wendy Wasserstein's Uncommon Women and Others to Cite des Arts this month.
The Riveters were born out of working together on Uncommon Women in May 2011 at the DuChamp Opera House in St. Martinville. When the decision was made to remount the play for performances at Cite the group also decided to form this troupe. The Riveters are Kyla Michelle Cormier, Martin Smith, Charlee Halphen Swain, Taylor Dought and Sarah Hitchcock.
The name comes from the iconic WWII symbol of Rosie the Riveter of the "We Can Do It!" slogan so popular then. She was meant to symbolize and inspire women who had to take jobs in historically male industries for the duration of the war.
"We want to impact social change. It has to say something and do something for the women of Acadiana and our culture," says Cormier. The idea is to produce finely crafted work both by local and internationally known playwrights that affect a social or political statement.
This take on Uncommon Women was directed originally by Swain but as she is finishing up schooling at Rutgers this remounting is being helmed by Smith.
The play was originally performed in 1977. Wasserstein based it on the women she knew at Mount Holyoke College. The story is told through a series of flashbacks as the women gather together several years later to reminisce about their times at school. There is mature content as far as some language is concerned so bear that in mind if you bring those with young or tender ears.
Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students. Catch performances Jan. 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Jan. 15 12:30 p.m. Reservations can be made through Cite's box office at 109 Vine St. or by calling 291-1122.