The Madwoman

Diving into the heart of post-revolutionary France, The Miles Sisters' “Madwoman” invites us into the world of Théroigne de Méricourt, a woman caught in the throes of history. Hailing from the creative minds of Cara Johnston (nee Miles) and Courtney Miles, this piece boasts a narrative which, although unique, tends to gloss over the complexities of its protagonist's psyche and her relation to the French Revolution...🌀

The setting - France, 1817🇫🇷 - paints a vivid picture, where revolution has subsided for most, but not for Théroigne. Reminiscent of classics such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”, the play situates its lead within the restrictive walls of an asylum. We, as spectators, bear witness to the tale of an opera singer, courtesan, and would-be revolutionary…🎶

Visually, Courtney Miles has outdone herself. The set, combined with the detailed costume design (hello, corset underdress!), exudes a meticulousness that is genuinely applause-worthy. One is seamlessly transported to La Salpêtrière Asylum in Paris, France. The intricate details, from the protagonist's stained teeth to the atmosphere of the era, are commendable…🎨

However, the narrative trajectory, steered by Cara Johnston, lacks the emotional and thematic depth one would expect from such a potent setting and character. Théroigne’s story, while rich in #historical references, feels like a series of memoiristic anecdotes that never quite pierce the heart or intellect. Instead of a profound exploration of madness akin to Nikolai Gogol's "The Diary of a Madman", “Madwoman” grapples with clichés. The urgency of Théroigne's tale and the significance of her self-penned opera remain ambiguous...📜

Pronunciations also became a point of contention. Is the comically bad handling of French terms a nod to a deteriorating mental state, or simply oversight? Such questions, while sparking curiosity, detract from the story’s heart…🤔

In all, “Madwoman” is an ambitious endeavor, one that teases with promises of a layered historical narrative & aesthetic beauty. While the Miles Sisters have showcased undeniable talent in the past, this piece begs for a more nuanced touch. 2/5

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