The Insanity of Mary Girard

By Lanie Roberts

Directed by Chris Riter

Produced by GreyZelda Theatre Group

3729 N. Ravenswood #138

Chicago, IL

Call 773-267-6293, tickets $15

Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 8:30 PM

Special Monday October 31 show at 8:30 PM

Running time is 95 minutes with no intermission

Through November 5, 2005

Eerie look at mental illness

GreyZelda Theatre Group specializes in unconventional works utilizing a blend of realism with acting and performance art techniques with minimal staging. I was impressed with their Metamorphosis so I thought I’d take another look at this promising group. This group deserves an audience and it was sad that I was the only audience member for a Wednesday night show. I’m glad this group performed for me---it was a marvelous show.

The Insanity of Mary Girard is a scary glimpse into the power of husbands in 1790 America when a rich man can commit his wife to a mental institution by merely stating that she is insane. In that day, medieval theories still persisted as to a husband’s absolute ownership of his wife. Since a husband has power of attorney over the wife, he can ask the court to declare her insane and place her in an asylum at his will. The wife has little recourse.

The cruel Stephen Girard did in fact place Mary in a Philadelphia mental institution after she exhibited temper tantrums. It was assumed that these came from insanity. The fact that Mary may have been reacting to cruel physical and mental abuse from her husband was never considered.

The Insanity of Mary Girard is a chilling and creepy look into the world of insanity. We see Mary tied-down in a wheelchair with a head harness. She is surrounded by five lunatics. Mary’s adventure involves her attempt to come to grips with her present status. The five crazies cleverly make her see her plight. This engaging show features six woman totally committed and immersed into their characters. From Rebecca Zellar’s convincing (that she is sane) performance to five of the most compelling crazies you’ll ever see on stage, director Chris Riter has each reacting both physically and emotionally to the action. Lisa Baer, Patrycja Mager, Ebru Yonak, Stacie Barra and Elizabeth Styles were outstanding as each had their moments to excel and each underscored the scene’s action.

This show will scare you, upset you and engage you as it reinforces the power of the live stage. The overwhelming weight of this show will impress you. GreyZelda Theatre Group is a young troupe to watch. This is a perfect Halloween show.

Recommended

Tom Williams

Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments

Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show

This show eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award

October 19, 2005