Age of Arousal

Age of Arousal
By Linda Griffiths
Bear & Co.

It is difficult to think of the typewriter as a symbol of liberation. Yet, such apparently was the case in late 19th century England for many single women. And, because women heavily outnumbered men at the time, many were destined to remain single.

So, these women, classed as odd, in both senses of the word, reached for a new place in society.

Their struggle towards a different norm is demonstrated through the five women in Linda Griffiths’ 2007 drama, Age of Arousal. Mary, the aging and cynical ex-suffragette and Rhoda, her young lover run a typing school, where the three impoverished Madden sisters try to type their way to independence. The three are presented as depicting sexual discovery, gender uncertainty and retreat into spinsterhood.

Set in 1885 London, Age of Arousal — a 21st century title seemingly intended to titillate, a direction emphasized by two women kissing passionately in the first scene — contains historical references to a somewhat later time, despite being loosely based on the 1893 novel The Odd Women by English writer George Gissing.

Thrown into the Griffiths mix are amusing asides from the characters that contrast sharply with their official comments.

As directed by Diana Fajrajsl, Age of Arousal is effective in making its points about early feminism, despite the tedious pace of the lengthy first act.

Eleanor Crowder is an authoritative Mary and Margo MacDonald handles the contrasting demands of portraying an unhappy alcoholic and a sober cross-dresser with ease. In symbolizing other aspects of early feminism and their consequences Monica (Anna Lewis) focues on free love, Rhoda (Lisa Jeans) stays the anti-marriage course and Alice (Rachel Eugster) holds on to the traditional way. Around the edge of this circle of odd women runs the lone male character (Tim Oberholzer) ready to bed Monica and wed Rhoda.

The Bear & Co, production of Age of Arousal continues at the Gladstone Theatre to February 22, 2014.

Director: Diana Fajrajsl
Set: Anna Lewis
Stage Manager: Mary Davidson
Sound Design: Diana Fajrasl & Rachel Eugster
Lighting Design:David Magladry
Costume Design: Patrice-Ann Forbes
Wig, Hair and Makeup: Annie Lefevbre
Scenic Painter: Lynn Cox

Cast

Eleanor Crowder
Rachel Eugster
Lisa Jeans
Anna Lewis
Margo MacDonald
Tim Oberholzer