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Antonio Salama
Professor Haas
THE 100
10/28/2024
I recently attended the University of Rhode Island's production of Machinal on
October 10th. Prior to the performance, I honestly did not know what to expect. This was
going to be my first play and I was eager to attend. I had done some prior research and
discovered the play touched on women’s issues within societal normals and constraints. The
play far exceeded my expectations, delivering a powerful and thought provoking message.
Eva St-Germain's portrayal of Helen Jones, the Young Woman, was both compelling
and made the character believable. She gave Helen depth and made the audience feel her
vulnerability. In the first office scene, Eva showed how Helen felt uneasy and didn't fit in. She
communicated Helen’s nervousness clearly through her movements. My favorite was the
wedding scene. Helen looked almost still and her voice shook as she agreed to marry a man
she didn't love. Eva showed Helen's fear and acceptance, making us feel her inner conflict. By
the end, it seemed as if Helen gained some confidence and started seeking freedom.
Elijah Lopes played Richard Roe. His performance was both engaging and unsettling.
Roe was crucial in Helen's change and Elijah showed this from his first moment in the
speakeasy. Roe's confident manner and smooth voice brought a sense of freedom and thrill
Helen lacked. During close moments, Elijah used gentle touches and whispers to create
intimacy, explaining why Helen felt drawn to him. Later, he showed Roe's selfish side, talking
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about his own wants without thinking of Helen's life. This shift added to Roe's character and
showed that Roe, while an escape for Helen, cared more for his own freedom.
The set design was simple but strong, using sharp shapes to show Helen’s cold,
mechanical world. Office scenes had metal desks and chairs in neat lines, creating a strict and
impersonal feel. Sounds of typewriters and machines added to the sense of a harsh
environment. In personal scenes, like the hotel room with Roe, the set softened with dim
light, a small bed and fewer sharp angles, hinting at a brief escape for Helen. The contrast
between the office's order and the relaxed setting with Roe highlighted the themes of
confinement and brief freedom.
The costumes were essential in reflecting the characters’ personalities and social
standings. Helen’s simple outfits highlighted her lack of individuality, aligning with her role
as a woman constrained by societal norms. In contrast, her mother had traditional and
conservative attire . Meanwhile, Roe’s vibrant and bold clothing showcased his carefree,
rebellious spirit. All the costumes corresponded with the time period well. The difference in
attire highlighted the characters' approaches to life and freedom.
The lighting throughout the play played a vital role in establishing the mood and
highlighting Helen’s psychological state. In the office scenes their was harsh white lighting
that created a cold atmosphere, portraying the nature of Helen’s work environment. In
contrast, the lighting softened during the scenes with Roe, utilizing warm tones and lower
intensity to showcase scenes of intimacy and temporary relief for Helen. However, in the trial
scene at the end of the play, the lighting turned dark giving a serious tone, with a spotlight
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that seemed to confine Helen in her final moments. This harsh lighting helped portray the
intensity of that moment.
Overall, URI’s production of Machinal made a lasting impression. It was an emotional
and unsettling depiction of a woman’s struggle to escape societal constraints. The strong
performances by Eva St-Germain and Elijah Lopes added depth to their characters, making
their stories both very relatable. The design elements from the scene design, lighting and
costume selection significantly enhanced the atmosphere and themes of the play. This
production was very enjoyable. It did surprise me as this was the first play I have attended.
The play opened my eyes to the impact and appeal of live theater performances and I look
forward to attending more.