WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID
THE JOHN HAND THEATER: FEB 15 – MARCH 14
L-R: Suzanne Nepi and Kelly Uhlenhopp
Firehouse Theater Company's production of When We Were Young and Unafraid is a powerful one.
Set on an island off the coast of Washington, Sarah Treem’s play focuses on a bed and breakfast that doubles as a safe house for battered women. It’s 1972 and The Violence Against Women Act has not yet become law. The Equal Rights Amendment had just been passed.
Firehouse Theater Company's production of When We Were Young and Unafraid is a powerful one.
Set on an island off the coast of Washington, Sarah Treem’s play focuses on a bed and breakfast that doubles as a safe house for battered women. It’s 1972 and The Violence Against Women Act has not yet become law. The Equal Rights Amendment had just been passed.
Agnes, the bed and breakfast’s owner/manager, has her hands full counseling and protecting the abused women who find their way to her ‘underground’ shelter.
Abby Apple Boes’ debut in the director’s chair is a stunner. Having cast the show to perfection, Boes elicits performances from her cast that are filled with raw emotion that’s real and credible.
Mariel Goffredi portrays Mary Anne, a woman escaping an abusive relationship. Ms Goffredi, who stunned with her performance as Agnes in Vintage Theatre’s “Agnes of God,” will have you in tears with her superb work in this production.
Suzanne Nepi’s grounded portrayal of the compassionate Agnes, serves as an anchor in this harbor full of angst and despair.
Kelly Uhlenhopp turns in a powerful performance as Hannah, a militant feminist, who spices up the proceedings brilliantly.
New to this reviewer were Sarai Brown as Agnes’s ‘daughter,’ Penny, and John Wittbrodt as Paul, one of Agnes’s boarders. (Mr. Wittbrodt is the only male actor in this otherwise female-driven play.)
Jeff Jesmer’s realistic set design is the professional artistry that the Denver audience has come to expect from him.
Rick Reid’s sound design stitches the scenes together flawlessly.
Steve Tangedal does his usual magic with the lighting design.
Rachel Finley’s costume design is spot on.
Not for the kiddos, this show takes a hard look at these women’s pain and terror.
It will make adults wince more than once.
For tickets call 303-562-3232
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