Southbank announces its third production of Season 5: Machinal, Sophie Treadwell’s groundbreaking 1928 expressionist drama, running Thursday–Sunday, March 12–22, with Saturday matinees at 4:00 PM.
Inspired by the real-life case of Ruth Snyder, Machinal is a bold and unsettling exploration of the life of a young woman crushed beneath the relentless machinery of modern society. Told through a series of rapid, stylized episodes, the play examines marriage, work, motherhood, and the justice system through a distinctly feminist lens that remains exceptionally relevant nearly a century after its premiere.
Often hailed as one of the most important American plays of the 20th century, Machinal captures the suffocating rhythms of life in a capitalist society and the psychological toll it takes on those who resist it. Machinal speaks powerfully to contemporary audiences navigating a world that feel isolating, mechanized, and unforgiving.
Cast:
Alaine Sims as Helen
Patrick Vaughn as Husband, Defense Attorney, Priest
Beverly Roche as Mother, Judge
Brant Hughes as Lover, Prosecutor, Ensemble
Natalie Beglin as Telephone girl, friend, nurse, Ensemble
Nia Hughes as adding clerk, matron, and Ensemble
J Charles Weimer as filing clerk, doctor, bailiff, guard, and ensemble
Adriana Menefee as stenographer, bellhop, barber, and ensemble.
Directed by Marcia Eppich-Harris
“I’m really excited to produce Machinal,” said artistic director, Marcia Eppich-Harris. “I used to teach this play in my dramatic literature classes, and it has always been a favorite for students. Even though it’s almost a hundred years old, it feels like it could be about today’s world. The main character’s narrative is especially moving for any woman who feels like she’s been forced into situations she didn’t want to be in, especially by rich and powerful men. In the era of the Epstein files, we need to see more drama about women’s experiences and understand how women can be pushed to the brink.”
Southbank’s production continues the company’s mission to present historically significant and socially urgent works that provoke conversation and deepen understanding of the world we inhabit.
Performance Schedule:
Thursday–Sunday, March 12–22
Thursday and Friday at 7:30, Saturday matinees at 4:00, and Sunday matinees at 2:00.
Where: Shelton Auditorium, 1000 W 42nd St, Indianapolis on the campus of Butler University.
Critics who would like to review Machinal may reach out to Marcia Eppich-Harris (marcia@southbanktheatre.org) for two complimentary tickets.
For ticket links and additional information, visit https://southbanktheatre.org/shows/machinal/ or follow Southbank on social media.
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