SHE WOULD IF SHE COULD
by George Etherege
Directed by Rebecca Maxfield
“She Would If She Could”, Head Trick Theatre’s spring 2017 show, follows the clever, the lustful, and the oblivious through the houses, public gardens, and restaurants of Restoration London. Full of verbal wit and physical farce by turns, George Etherege’s comedy gently mocks both human failings and theatrical conventions through the adventures of Ned Courtall (a wily skirt-chaser), Gatty and Ariana (witty women determined to enjoy themselves in London), Sir Oliver and Lady Cockwood (caught between their real wishes and society’s expectations), and their respective wingmen/women.
Head Trick’s production delves into the dramatic world of a period that saw actresses take the English stage for the first time and playwrights write with newfound frankness about sexuality. “There’s a real self-awareness in this play of both human nature and theatrical tropes,” says director Rebecca Maxfield. “These characters are people who are at the theatre all the time – so it’s like they know how to avoid the typical rom-com plots.” But how much will that help them in a setting where one’s behavior towards friends and lovers is always a performance?
Friday March 24 and Saturday March 25th, 7:00pm
Thursday March 30th, Friday March 31st, and Saturday April 1st, 7:00pm
Sundays March 26th & April 2nd, 2:00pm
Tickets $15, Free with Brown/RISD Student ID. Or cash at door.