Sunday, October 29, 2017

TCHF VI: Sadie Mae, 1969 by Boston Community Collaborative

Show: Sadie Mae, 1969

Theater: Boston Community Collaborative

Genre: Theater/Dance, Psychological/Historical Fiction

What's It All About:"Susan Atkins, aka Sadie Mae Glutz, was a member of Charles Manson’s cult, known as The Family. In 1969, the group committed one of the most notorious crimes in American history, the murder of film star Sharon Tate and her guests at her home in Hollywood’s Beverly Hills. The event was a turning point in the fabric of American culture, a case where the Free Love values of the 1960s turned violent and no one felt safe, not even in their own home. This play follows Susan as she reveals her crimes in a jailhouse confession, an event that was pivotal in convicting the Manson Family for their crimes. Her memories explore her state of mind, her indoctrination into the cult and the connections between sex and violence. The text itself focuses on Susan’s perspective, looking at motherhood and her relationship to her primary victim, the 8 months pregnant Sharon Tate, wife of film director, Roman Polanski. This play aims to amplify their voices, moving away from the men who made them famous, neither of whom were present at the scene of the crime. The piece is scored by a haunting reworking of the music they worshipped, The Beatles’ White Album, where the audience will see the sinister lyrics through the eyes of Charles Manson. These new songs are also accompanied by movement pieces, incorporating dance as a form heightened storytelling. This play will bring you to the depths of a dark mind, begging the question how did an average girl next door transform into a brutal killer?"

What We Thought:
The Manson Family story is absolutely fascinating. If you have not yet, you should absolutely listen to podcast You Must Remember This's in-depth, ten-part series on the Family.  Sadie Mae, 1969 was written by Boston Community Collaborative's lead dance and drama instructor, Ingrid Oslund. No program insert was provided, otherwise I'd have called out the actress who committed 100% to the role of Susan Atkins, aka Sadie Mae. [Update! The actress's name is Erica Wisor. Also, check out the interesting story of the past and future of Sadie Mae, 1969.] Incorporating dance and music, this show clocked in a a brisk 40 minutes.  Honestly, the summary describes the show pretty fully. It's got some high ideals--hopefully, further development is in the works.