S72 - Last Summer at Bluefish Cove: A Play in Two Acts by Jane Chambers (8w)
The play focuses on the friendships and journeys of the eight women at Bluefish Cove and was one of the first pieces of theatre to present lesbians as rounded, three dimensional characters, avoiding the problematic and homophobic tropes that had been necessary to portray queer stories on stage. Chambers' comedic dialogue, sensitivity to human nature and tender treatment of her characters help the play transcend preconceptions and show the universality of these women's journeys, whether straight or gay.
posted by Larisa at 8:13 PM
5 Comments:
this play feels dated to me but perhaps presenting it as an 80's "period" piece would solve that - I thought the characters were less fully realized that each representing a type of person - and I like complicated people, even in comedy/dramas, especially in comedies actually. So while I was not really engaged in the story, I don't hate it.
It is dated, but it probably would have been cutting edge in the early 80s. I felt the story was very predictable and sappy at the end. While we're trying to be inclusive with our reading selections, I think we're trying a little too hard to find some good choices.
I am weeping! I completely bought into it. I saw where it was going and I enjoyed the ride. I think it is dated (but could be done as a period piece) and would be difficult with the 2 acting areas, but I think it is completely doable and should be kept in the mix. It is not the comedy that Perfect Arrangement was, but it is a strong drama every bit as good as True West (except without the name recognition of Shepard). We should be doing things like this that were important pieces in the development of an entire wave of social drama. Diversity and Inclusion piece that should be a strong contender for the season.
I love a good female ensemble and I really enjoy these characters and this story. I think we would have to either really lean into the 1980 time period or ask about an updated version. But it sounds like maybe this isn't as popular with the group as a whole.
I agree with Linda Sue and Jean that this feels dated, but unlike many plays that are "of their time and work as period pieces" this one doesn't feel as though it has withstood the test of time. Julie, is there "an updated version?"
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